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No. lo \?j 



FRENCH'S AMERICAN ACTING EDITION 



MYRTLE FERNS 



Un Hmerican domestic Drama in jfive Hots 



BY 

JOSEPH D. CLIFTON 



Copyright, X910, by Samuel Preach 



, CAUTION:— Amateurs and Professionals are hereby warned that 4, 
"Myrtle Perns" being fully protected under the copyright laws 
of the United States, is subject to royalty and any one presenting 
the play without the consent of the author or his authorized agent 
will be liable to the penalties by law provided. Application for the 
right to produce "Myrtle Perns " must be made to Samuel Prench, 
SI8-30 West 38th Street, New York City. 



PRICE, 25 CENTS. 



NEW YORK 

SAMUEI/ FRENCH 

Publishers 
«8-30 WEST 38th STREET 



I,ONDON 

SAMUEI/ FRISNCH, I,td. 

26 Southampton Street, 
STRAND, I,ONDON 






FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA. 

Price 15 Cents each.— Bound Volume* $1.25. 



VOL. I. 
I Ion 

S Th« Ladj el Lyons 

4 Richtllau 

f Tb< Wif« 

< Tb« Hotitymoon 

I Tb» Schoul tor Scandal 
t MontT 

VOL. II. 
t Th« Strau(<r 

10 (Sraadfathtr Wliitehtad 

11 Richard III 

15 LoTv'i Sacriflca 
II Th« Gauottr 
U A Cur* for tb« Hearlach. 
U Tb» Hunchback 
1( Don Cciar d« Dtian 

VOL. 111. 
n Th» Poor U«nll«uian 
It Hamlat 

18 Ch>rl» 11 

90 Vtnici I'reitrYad 
SI Piaarro 
a Til* Lev* Chaia 

93 Othello 

94 Ltnd ma Flv» ShlUiiig« 

VOL. IV. 

98 Virginia. 

31 King of tha Commons 
97 Loudon Anuranca 

91 Tba Rent Day 

99 TwoOentlemen ofVefom 
SO Tha Jealous Wifa 
tl Th* Rlrals 
81 Ferfeotion 

VOL. V. [Debts 
U A New Way to P»y Old 
t4 Look Before You Leap 

16 King John 
»» Nervous Man 
>7 Damon and I'vllilas 
It Clandestine Marriiige 
tl William Tell 

40 Day after the Wedding 

VOL. VI. 

41 Speed the Plough 
41 Romeo and Juliet 
41 Feudal Tiinss 
44 Charles the Twelfth 
41 Th* Bride 
4t The Follies of « Night 
47 Iron Chest [Fair Lady 
41 Faint Heart Never Won 

VOL. VII. 
41 Road to Ruin 

10 Macbeth 

II Temper 

19 ETadn* 

18 B*rtram 
14 Tb* Duenna 

11 Much Ado About Nothing 
II Th* Critic 

VOL. VIII. 
IT The Apostate 
It Twelfth Night 
It Brutus 
ID Simpson k Co 
II Merchant of Venice 

19 Old HeadsiYoung Hearts 
13 Mountaineers [riage 
U Three Weeks after Mar- 

VOL. IX. 
(I Lot* 

II As Tou LIk* It 
17 Tb* Elder Brother 
It Werner 

tl aisippus 

70 Town and Country 
91 King Lear 
79 Blue D*rila 

VOL. X. 
Tl H*nry VIII 
74 Vlarrled and lingle 
Tl Henry IV 
Tl Paul Pry 
77 Guy Mannering 

71 IweethearU and WWes 
79 Serious Family 
go She Stoeps t* Conqusr 



VOL. XL 
Kl Julius Cseiir 
»i> Vicar of Wakefield 
i'i Leap Year 
84 Th. Catspaw 
ii Th* Passing Cloud 
86 liruiikard 
81 R.ib Roy 

88 Ueorge Barnwell 

VOL. XU. 

89 Itigomar 

90 Sketches In India 
St I Two Friends 
i; Jane Shore 
93 Coriican Brothers 
44 Mind your own Business 
Ss Writing on the Wall 

91 Heir at Law 

VOL. XIII. 

97 Soldier's Daughter 

V- Douglas 

99 .Mnrco Spada 
lUO Nature's Nobleman 
101 Sardanapalus 
lO'J CivlHiatlou 
103 The Robbers 
1U4 Katharine and Petruchio 

VOL. XIV. 
106 Game of Lore 

106 Midsummer Night's 

107 Ernestine [Dream 

108 Rag Picker of Paris 

109 Flying Dutchman 
Hypocrit* 

111 Therese 

119 La Tour de Nesl* 

VOL. XV. 
113 Ireland As It Is 
IH Sea of Ice 
116 Seven Clerks 
116 (jianie of Life 
in Forty Thieves 
U8 Bvyiin lioroihm* 
11» Romance and Reality 
li;o Ugolino 

A .L. XVL 
151 The Tempest 
l'."i The Pilot 
123 Carpenter of Rouen 
1 4 King's Rival 
196 Little Treasure 
126 Dombty and Son 
li" Parents' and Guardians 
1S8 Jewess 

VOL. XVII. 
199 Camllle 
l:IO Married Life 
131 Weiilook of Wenlock 

139 Rose of Ettrlckval* 

133 David Copperfield 

134 Aline, or the Rose ol 

135 Pauline [Killarney 
13« Jane £yr* 
I VOL. XVIII. 
187 Night and Morning 
138 .«lhlop 
i;9 Thre* Guardsman 

140 Tom CringI* 

141 H*nrlette. the Forsaken 
149 Eustache Baiidin 

143 Ernest Maltravari 

144 Bold Dragoons 
VOL. XIX. 

148 Drsd, or th* Dismal 

[Swamp 
141 Last Davs of Pompaii 

147 Esmeralda 

148 P*ter Wilklns 

149 Ben the Bottswaia 

110 Jonathan Bradford 
1S1 Retribution 
119 Minerali 

VOL. XX. 
US French Spv 
154 Wept of Wish-ton With 
lit ErilGeniut 

111 Ben Bolt 
117 Sailor of Franc* 
lis Red Mask 
119 Life of an Actress 
110 W*dding Day 



[Moscow 



VOL. XXI. 
161 All's Fair ill Love 
169 Hofer 

163 Self 

164 Cinderella 

166 Phantom 
116 Franklin 

167 The G unmake 
118 The Lor* of a Priuc* 

VOL. XXII. 
169 Son of th* Night 
no Rory O'More 
171 Golden Eagle 
179 Rienil 

173 Brokati Sword 

174 Rip Van Wlnkl* 
176 Isabell* 

176 H*art of Mid Lothian 
VOL. XXIU. 

177 Actrass of Padua 



180 Cataract of the Ganges 

181 Robber of the Rbin* 

182 School ol Reform 

183 Wandering Boys 

184 Mazeppa 
VOL. XXIV. 

186 Younr New York 

186 The VIctiios 

187 Romance after Marriage 
Brigand 
Poor of N*w York 

190 Ambrose Gwlnett 

191 Raymond and Agnei 
199 Gambler's Fate 

VOL. XXV. 

193 Father and Son 

194 Mnssaui*IIo 

195 Sixteen String Jack 

196 Youthful Queen 

197 Skeleton Witness 

198 Innkeeper of AbbevilU 

199 Miller and his Meu 

200 Aladdin 

VOL. xxvr. 

501 Adrlenne the Actress 

209 Undine 
903 Jess* Brown 
204 Asmodeus 

206 Mormons 
906 Blanch* of Brandy wine 

207 Viola 

208 Deseret Deserted 
VOL. XXVII. 

509 Americans in Paris 

210 Viclorine 

211 Wiiard of th* War* 
919 Castle Spectre 
21» Horse-shoe Robinson 
2K Arniand, Mr:. Mowatt 
21 ■. Fashion, Mrs. Mowatt 
211 Glance at New York 

VOL. XXVUL 
217 Inconstant 

918 Uncle Tom's Cabin 

919 Guide to the Stag* 
980 Veteran 

991 Miller of New Jerssy 
222 Dark Hour liefore Dawn 
921 Midsum'rNlglit'sDream 

[Laura Keene't Edition 
994 Art and Artlflc* 

VOL. XXIX. 
925 Poor Young Man 
951 OssawattomI* Brown 
227 Pop* of Rom* 
291 OIiT*r Twist 
2'.'9 PauTr*tU 
2S0 Man In th* Iron Mask 
231 Knight of Arva 

239 Moll Pitchar 
VOL. XXX. 

•U Black Eyed Susan 
■IM Satan in Paris 
235 Rotiiia Meadows [ess 
231 West End, or Irish Heir- 
937 Six Degrees of Crime 
988 The Lady and the D.vll 
939 \Tenaer.orMoorofSlci. 

240 Masks and Faces [1} 



VOL. XXXT. 
241 Merry \VIt«s of Wlnd*or 
949 Marv's Birthday 

943 Shandy Maguir* 

944 Wild Oats 

945 Mlchaal Erl* 

246 Idiot WituasB 

247 Willow Cops* 
ipl*** Lawy*r 
VOL. XXXH. 

949 Th* Boy Martyr* 

960 Lucr*tla Borgia 

961 Surgeon of Paris 
919 Patrician's Daughtev 
253 Shoemaker of Tool us* 
954 Moui*ntous Question 
266 Love and Loyalty 

966 Robber's Wife 

VOL. XXXIIL 
217 Dumb Girl of Genoa 
2J8 Wreck Ashore 
269 Clarl 

260 Rural Fsllclty 

261 Wallac* 
269 Mad*Ialn* 
263 Th* Fireman 
964 Grist to th* Mill 

VOL. XXXIV. 
966 Two Loves and a Life 

266 Annie Blak* 

267 Steward 

268 Captain Kyd 

269 Nick of th« Wood* 

270 Marble Heart 

271 Second Lov* 
279 Dream at Sea 

Vol. XXXV. 

273 Breach of Promis* 

974 Review 

276 Lady of th* Lak* 

216 Still Water Runs Deep , 

217 The Scholar 

278 Helping Hands 

279 Faust and Marguerlt* 
2S0 Last M:ia 

VOL. XXXVI. 
981 Belle'! Stratagem 
2^9 Old and Young 
983 RalTnella 
284 Kulh Oakley 
986 British 6lr .■« 
266 A Life's Ransom 
287 Giralda 
28 Tim* Tries All 

VOL. XXXVIL 

289 Ella RosenburK 

290 Warlock of the Glen 

291 Zelina 

292 Beatrice 
2f3 Neighbor Jackwood 
294 Wonder 
296 Robort Emmet 

996 Green Buihes 
VOL. XXXVIII. 

997 Flowers of thf Foreit 

298 A Bachelor of Arts 

299 The Midnight Banquet 

300 Husband of m Hour 

301 LoT*'s Labor Lost 

302 Naiad Queen 

303 Caprice 

304 Cradle of Liberty 
VOL. XXXIX. 

305 Th* Lost Ship 
301 Country Squir* 
t07 Fraud and its Viotlms 
30t Putnam 
109 King and D*s*rt*r 

310 La r Jimmlna 
ill A HardStruggI* 
81} Qwlnnatt* Vaughan 

VOL. XL. 
tit Th* Lov* Knot [Judg* 
114 LavaUr, or Not a fiad 

311 Th* Nobl* H*art 
Sll Corlolanus 
317 Th* Winter's Tal* 
118 EveUen Wilson 
319 Ivanhoe 
390 Jonathan In England 



(French' t Standard Drama Continued on 3d page of Cover.) 



BAMUEL FRENCH, a6 W»«t aad Street, New York City. 

New and Explicit Descriptive Catalogfuc Mailed Free on Request. 



MYRTLE FERNS 



Hn Bmerican H)omestic Drama in 3f ive Hcts 



JOSEPH D. CLIFTON 



Copyright, 1910, by Samuel French 



CAUTION. — Amateurs and Professionals are hereby warned 
that " Myrtle Ferns" being fully protected under the copy- 
right laws of the United States, is subject to royalty, and 
any one presenting tbe play without the consent of the 
author or bis authorized agent will be liable to the penalties 
b}^ law provided. Application for the right to produce 
"Myrtle Ferns " must be made to Samuel French, 28-30 
"West 38th Street, New York City. 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

38-30 WEST 38TH STREET 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street, 

STRAND 



MYRTLE FERNS. 



Cbaracters. 

Chick (Wild but good) . . . Soubrette— star role 

Emma Myrtle (A true woman) Lead 

Edith (Sister of Chick) Juvenile 

Nelson Oak (The Master) Heavy 

O'Grady (The Slave) Lead 

Mr. Myrtle (One of the old stock) . . First old man 

Robert (His son) Juvenile 

Larry (A domestic) . . . Irish comedy. (Refined) 

Jake Worth (An old hunter) Character 

Morgan (A hunchback — Keeper of the jail) 

Character (Very particular) 

Dan (His pal) Utility 

Sheriff (One who does his duty Utility 

DOUBLES. 

Larry and Jake Worth. 
Mr. Myrtle and Morgan. 
Sheriff and Dan. 

Piece can be played wjth jthree ladies and six men 
— nine all told. The f,qur'ch act can be cut out — it 
does not affect story or plot. It was arranged for 
scenic effect — it strengthens piece. Scenic effect is 
not necessary. If you cut out Act IV Mr. Myrtle can 
double Jake Worth, which makes the only double. 



TMP92-008861 



MYRTLE FERNS. , 3 

Synopsis, 

Act I. — A little mountain home. 
Act II. — The Myrtle Mansion. 
Act III. — At the Ferns. 
Act IV. — Window jail. 
Act V. — Home again. 

Cast. — Three women and nine men. Played nicely 
with three women and six men. 

property? plot. 

ACT. I. 

Side Props. — Hunting bag and knife belt. Pipe for 
Chick in h. r. Knife for Worth — same as one Robert 
has — must be alike. Silk handkerchief for Oak. 
Large document for Worth. Rifle and rag on table R. 
— Old kitchen table and chairs. Double barrel shot 
gun ready l. u. e. 

ACT. II. 

Handcuffs for Sheriff. Game bag and belt — same as 
used in act. first. Elegant parlor furniture — Table and 
two chairs r. 3 — arm-chairs — two rocking chairs — 
sofa L. c. — Tap bell on table, r. 2 — easel with 
pictures. Upright desk at L. c. Bric-a-brac, etc. 
Newspaper on sofa. Four books on desk. 

ACT. in. 

20 ft. rope r. c. — Six pieces of bark, on stage r. — 
Green bank or bench. Effects for thunder and light- 
ning. Large bass drum in good condition, and beater 
on prompt side. Two oars. 



4 MYRTLE FERNS. 

ACT. IV. 

Two 32-revolvers— not loaded. Knife — Handcuffs 
— File for Chick. 20 ft. rope c. — Cot and pillow — 
blanket c. — Ax in r. 2. e. — Dinner pair l. 3. e. also 
chain to rattle. If scene effect— see that seacloth is 
down to line as per direction. Boat ready in l. 3. E. 
etc. 

ACT. V. 

Letter for Chick — Handcuffs for Sheriff. Same set 
as Act. second. 

Scene plot. 

ACT. I. 

Rocky pass in 4 — Set cabin in R. 2. E. — Run at back 
— Return piece c. — Wood wings obliqued. Well and 
bucket L. c. — Old stump, l. c. — 3. e. 

ACT. II. 

c. D. F. — in 3 — Backed by interior. Door r. and L. 
up stage. Box scene. 

ACT. III. 

Horizon in four — Ground piece cross at back — 
Stone wall cross in 3. — c. — opening — 4-ft. wide 
Gothic House l. 2. e. Verandah and steps. 

ACT. V. 

Same as act second. 

N. B. All doors to open off and up stage. 



MYETLE FERNS. 



ACT I. 



Dis. — Jake Worth r., seated at table cleatiing rifle. 

Jake. There, the old gun looks better. Like my- 
self, it is getting rusty for the want of a little work. 
There was a time when I could earn a good living 
with that old rifle. But now, I can scarcely get meat 
for the table. 

Chick {outside). Hello ! Hello ! 

Jake (?// c. looks r.). Hello ! 

Chick {outside). Hello! 

Jake. Hello ! 

Chick {outside). Hello — Hello! 

Jake {down to table r., sits). Here comes the 
youngster, now. 

{Eiiter Chick, running r. u. e.) 

Chick {out of breath). Dad— Dad— Oh, Dad. 

Jake. Well, what's the matter ? Did you fall in the 
river again ? 
• Chick. No. 

Jake. Well — can't you speak ? 

Chick. Can't you wait till I get my second breath? 
Oh, gee, Dad, it was a bustin' sight. 

Jake. What ? 

Chick. A big black bear ! 

Jake {rises). No 1 

Chick. Well 1 I guess I know what I am talking 
about. Oh, Dad, if you hurry up, we'll get him sure. 

5 



Q MYRTLE FERNS. 

Come on, I will show you the way. (S/ie offers hand 
■ — ^k¥.% passes R.) 

Jake {takes rifle). No, you stay here {Up c.) if your 
mother asks where I am — why, just tell her. 

{Exit, L. u. E, 

Chick (/// c). Oh, Dad, please, can't I go ? Daddy, 
can't I ? {Dozvn c.) Well, you bet the next bear I see 
I won't tell you. Think's he is cute. I'll be just as 
cute as he is. When I get hold of his gun I'll plug the, 
hole up, and when he goes to get another bear, the gun 
— Oh, gee ! the bear might get Dad. No, I guess I 
won't do that. {Exit, H. R. 

{Enter Robert a>id Jake, l. u. e. Robert lays gun 
and game-bag with knife in it on table.) 

RoBT. I knew I should find thep lace. {To Jake.) 
Who lives here ? 

Jake {remains c). This, sir, is my home, not much, 
I must confess. But it has sheltered me and mine, 
over forty years. 

RoHT. Indeed I I was born in this neighborhood, 
and until the present time was ignorant of so romantic 
a spot, no doubt would have remained so had I not lost 
my way in the woods and met you. 

Jake. Did I understand you to say you were born 
in this neighborhood ? 

RoET. Yes, sir. 

Jake. And the name ? 

RoBT. Robert Myrtle. 

Jake {starts). Of Myrtle Ferns, the son of Henry ? 

RoBT. The same. Did you know him ? 

Jake. Yes, a stern, proud man. But there, I am 
glad to have been of service to you. 

RoBT. Thanks. But your arm 

Jake {red handkerchief around right arm). Only a 
scratch, but it was a close call. 

RoBT. The bear you killed ? 

Jake. No, I didn't kill him. 

RoBr. But when I came up he was dead. 

Jake. Not by my hand. 1 fired, but only wounded 



MYRTLE FERNS. 7 

him. Before I could reload he was upon me. I never 
knew what it was to fear, but when I felt his hot breath 
on my face, I lived over the past years of my life. I 
thought of my poor old wife and two loving children. 
I was about to say good by to this world, when from 
the bushes there sprang a wild, half starved being. 
Though slight of frame, he must have possessed the 
strength of a giant. He grasped the bear with one 
hand, and with lightning rapidity drove his hunting 
knife home with the other. Then, raising his head he 
said : " Thank Heaven I have been able to do one 
good deed." And before I could thank him he 
disappeared. 

RoBT. Strange. What was he like ? 

Jake. It was done so quickly, I can scarcely re- 
member. He was in rags and had some kind of a red 
cloth around his head. ( Crosses to H. R.) But come 
into the house. You must be hungry after your long 
tramp. There ain't much, but what there is you are 
welcome to. \_Exit, h. r. 

RoBT. {tip to door, H. R.) I despise myself for this 
rascality. I should have informed him of the truth. 
That it was this little mountain home I was in search 
of. Where T knew I should find her, my Edith. Well, 
there is but one way. When you do a wrong, right it 
like a man. \_Exit, h. r. 

{Enter Oak, l. u. e.) 

Oak. As I expected, the nest of a pretty bird. This 
is where my aristocratic friend — no, not that, for he has 
no love for me. I might say my future brother-in-law 
passes so much of his time. I wonder where my slave 
O'Grady is. I must be careful of him or he will die 
on my hands. {Cal/s off L.) O'Grady, O'Grady. 
{Crosses to r.) Here he comes and staggering like 
a drunken man. {Enter O'Grady staggering, fall c, 
very ragged ?nake up and pale.) Well, what's the matter ? 
Can't you stand ? 

O'Grady. Hardly. I am so weak — weak — for the 
want of food, and I must have it. 



8 MYRTLE FERNS. 

Oak. I will bring it to you at the cave. 

O'Grady. I will never go back to that hole again. 

Oak. But the detectives ? 

O'Grady. Let them come. We will go to jail to- 
gether. For three days you have kept away from me. 
For three days I have scarcely tasted food. Why 
should I suffer for a crime that I never committed ? 

Oak. Not so loud. Our friend is here. 

O'Grady. Yes — I want to know all. I will no 
longer work in the dark. 

Oak. You will comply with my wishes, whether 
they be in the dark — Bah ! you will do as I say. 

O'Grady. Perhaps I 

Oak. Perhaps ! Refuse and see what will be the 
result. {Enter Jake f?om h. r., listens) The penalty 
for scuttling a ship,. I believe comes under the head 
of murder. 

O'Grady. Murder ! 

Oak. I don't say that you are a murderer, though 
a jury might, and render a verdict accordingly. I have 
McNeily's confession, also the agreement that was 
drawn up to scuttle the good ship, St. Armery. . {Exit 
Jake in h. r.) I think we had better agree. {Crosses 
to R.) 

O'Grady {rises). That paper was in my possession, 
it was my intention to warn the authorities, but it was 
stolen from me. 

Oak. By who ? 

O'Grady. By you 1 

Oak. By me ? 

O'Grady. Who else, since you have it ? 

Oak. It matters not. I have it, and you are not 
safe while it hangs over you head. You have got to 
earn it to gain your freedom. Will you do as I say ? 

O'Grady. What other chance have 1 ? 

Oak. As soon as I am married to this man's sister, 
you are free. If the father knew of the son's visit to 
this place, he would cut him off without a dollar. 
Should he disinherit Robert, all would go to the 
daughter, and as my wife, will eventually come to me. 



MYRTLE FERNS. 9 

O 'Grady. Your wife ! 

Oak. Yes, she thinks favorable of me, and I have 
the old man's consent. Robert inherits the father's 
disposition, stern and independent. When the old 
gent takes him to task for his visits here, there will be 
a quarrel, and the results will be 

O 'Grady. That the father turns the son from the 
home to take in a stranger ! Why are you not content 
with the girl's inheritance, why do you wish to destroy 
a peaceful and a happy home ? 

Oak. If you fail to do as I bid, I swear I will never 
rest until you receive the full punishment of the law. 
The position of yachtsman is vacant at the Ferns. I 
shall secure it for you. 

O'Grady. In return, what am I to do ? 

Oak. Corroberate my statements. {Angry) Oh, 
go back to the cave, I will bring you a suit of clothes, 
then you can call at the mansion and ask for me. 
{Sits at table, R.) 

O'Grady {up c.) Heaven help me, what am I to do. 
He holds my freedom— my life in his hands. He said 
I was to have the position as yachtsman. Who knows, 
I may get that document back. If I do, I'll make him 
pay bitterly for all the misery that he has caused me. 

\_Exit, L. u. E. 

{Enter Jake h. r., crosses to c.) 

Oak. I wonder what has become of McNeily. I 
wish I had his confession. 

Jake. Well — sir, I have. 

Oak {rizes). You — why, sir, I don't know you. 

Jake. But I do you. Three years has changed you 
but little. 

Oak. You spoke of a confession of one McNeily. 

Jake. Yes, a dying confession. 

Oak. Indeed ! What did he tell you ? 

Jake. He told me how a party of men met in a 
grogshop one night, on the outskirts of Boston. How 
a young man was asked to drink, but refused. On 
being persuaded, he accepted cider that was drugged^ 



10 MYRTLE FERNS. 

(Oak starts) after the drug had taken effect, he was 
forced to sign a paper to scuttle a ship. 

Oak. Your story is interesting. What was their 
object in scuttling a ship, and forcing the young man 
to sign ? 

Jake. I will answer your last question first. Their 
object in forcing the young man to sign was, they 
wanted him to do work they were afraid to do. In 
case he refused, they thought they held that which 
would force an innocent man to become a criminal. 
The instigator of this horrible crime, had a wife on 
board the ship. That was his reason for wanting her 
sank to the bottom of the ocean. You, sir, are that 
husband. To rid yourself of one, you sacrificed 
hundreds. 

Oak. What you say is 

Jake. The truth, I can and will prove it. 

Oak. You say you can prove it — how ? 

Jake. I was in the grogshop that night and over- 
heard your conversation. 

Oak [aside). Ruined 1 

Jake. And I saw you give McNeily the money. 

Oak. Even so, that does not implicate me. 

Jake {holds up document). No ! But this does, a 
written confession signed by the dying man. 

Oak. What do you wish me to do ? 

Jake. Your duty to that poor wretch, and then, 
deliver yourself up to justice. 

Oak [crosses to L. 2 E.). I will do as you request. 
There is a favor I would like you to grant me that you 
will speak of this to no one until after to-morrow. 
That will give me time to arrange my business affairs. 

Jake. Very well. But don't try to escape, it will 
do you no good. 

Oak. I will not try to escape. \_Exit^ L. 2. E. 

Jake. Yes, he shall right O 'Grady. lie did me a 
good turn, now I'll save him. [Enter roct.) So you 
knew my daughter before, eh ? Well — well. 

RoBT. Yes sir, and to see her is why I am here 
\ 



MYRTLE FERNS. IX 

to-day. I would have informed you when we first met 
had I of known you were her father. 

Jake {with feeling). Would you object if a stranger 
knew it ? 

RoBT. You misunderstand me. I would not object 
if the world knew it. 

{E/ifer Edith h. r., Hstefis.) 

Jake. You are a true man. At first I did not 
understand you, but now I do. She is all we have 
except Chick, and we love her dearly. 

RoBT. {aside). So do I. 

Edith {crosses to c). Father, mother is waiting for 
you. 

Jake. Oh 1 Oh yes, I see. {Crosses to h. r.) I 
will leave you to entertain Mr. Myrtle. [^Exit,ii. R, 

Edith, I overheard part of your conversation. 
What were you saying to father ? 

RoRT. Do you want to know ? Well, I was apolo- 
gizing for a lie I told him. 

Edith. Oh ! You 

RoBT. Related facts. He asked if I would object 
if a stranger knew 1 came here. I replied not if the 
whole world knew it. And why should I ? 

Edith. Robert, you are a man of honor and ought 
to make any woman happy. 

Robt. Then, consider yourself happy. When are 
you going to have me ? 

Edith. Have you stopped to consider, what would 
your family say if they knew you had asked me to be 
your wife ? 

Robt. My family have nothing to do with my af- 
fections. I have had no opportunity to present you. 
Come with me, together we will return home. 

Edith. Oh! No — he — your father 

Robt. Will, I am sure, approve of my choice. 

Edith. He would never consent. 

Robt. Then, we will do without it. Come, do as I 
say and we will go to him. 

Edith. No, he must come to me. Then, if he is 



12 MYRTLE FERNS. 

willing that his son should raise one from poverty to 
that of his own level, I will be only to happy to say I 
am yours. (^Holds out hands) 

{Enter Chick, r. u. e.) 

RoBT. {going to her). Then, he shall come to you. 
(Chick between them) 

Chick. Oh, gee — ain't you two nice, (^obt, laughs, 
crosses to R., sits) Oh, don't mind me, I ain't nobody. 
But I reckon, mister, you are some. 

RoBT. Well, I've made a favorable impression here 
at any rate. So you like me, do you ? 

Chick. Bully ! 

Edith. Chick, you must not speak so. 

RoBT. There, don't mind me. 

Chick. Oh 1 gee, I am just dying with excitement. 
I wonder if dad got that bear. Say sis, scratch my 
back, will you ? (Robt. laughs) Oh, go on, he don't 
care, do you, mister. Your sister scratches your back, 
don't she ? 

Robt. {laughs). Well- — not now, but she use to. 

Chick. You see, when I saw that bear, I was in 
such a hurry to tell dad, that my foot slipped and I fell, 
and oh gee — the sand got down my back, and I com- 
menced to slide, but I didn't go all the way to the 
bottom. Oh ! no, I was too smart for that. 

Robt. What did you do ? 

Chick. When I got half way down, I just flopped 
over, and my nose struck a rock, and I stood there. 

Robt. That's too bad — you must see a physician. 

Chick. What is that ? 

Edith {up c). Please, Chick, come. 

Robt. Let her remain. Why should you mind me ? 

Chick. I like you, and I guess sis does, too. 

Edith. Please, Chick. 

Robt. How do you know ? 

Chick. The other day I saw her kissing something 
— ^Oh ! she didn't see me. So when she went out of 
the room I picked it up — and guess what it was. 

Robt. What was it ? Go on and tell me. 



MYRTLE FERNS. 13 

Chick. Getting anxious, ain't you ? 

RoBT. Yes — well ? 

Chick. It was a picture of you. 

RoBT, {lip to Edith). I know that your happiness 
is at stake as well as mine. Nothing shall seperate us. 

Edith. Chick, poor innocent child. You don't 
know what you have done. 

Chick. Say, mister, I didn't do any harm, did I ? 

RoBT. No, little girl — you only spoke the truth. 

Chick. Did I — it must have been a mistake, I 
seldom do. 

RoBT. You did this time, and I like you for it. 

Chick. No sir, T don't want you to like me. 

RoBT. Why not ? 

Chick. Because it might cause trouble in the family. 

\_Exit, i-u7ining R. u. E. 

Edith (Robt. and Edith goes c). Now, you can 
understand why I refuse you, partly for her sake. At 
your home they would loathe her, and that I could never 
stand. 

{Enter Jake, h. r.) 

Robt. I care not for my folks, why should you for 
yours ? Come, we will leave this place, and if the 
worst comes to the worst 

Jake. Heaven forbid — (Robt. crosses to R. Edith 
to L.) it is bad enough as it is. {To Edith) What 
does this mean ? 

Robt. 1 will tell you, sir. 

Jake. Not from you — {Crosses toi.. c, Edith /// c.) 
at our first acquaintance to day, you lied to me ! 

Robt. How dare you 

Edith. Remember, he is my father. 

Robt. And I, an honorable man. 

Jake. No honorable man would seek to turn the 
daughter against the father. 

{Enter Oak l. u. e., listens.^ 

Robt. Permit me to explain. 
Jake. Not one word 1 



14 MYRTLE FERNS. ^ 

RoBT. I insist — you have a wrong conception of 
my last words. 

Edith. Father, you are mistaken. 

{^Exit Oak, l. u. e. 

Jake {up c). Your place is with your mother. Go 
in. (Edith crosses to d. r.) Yonder, sir, is your way. 
{To Edith) Go in ! (^jc/V Edith) I will see you to 
the opening of the woods. Take my advice and don't 
lose your way again. 

(R(JBT. picks up gun, crosses to L. u. E., takes only gun, 
leave hunting-bag and k7iifo on table.) 

RoBT. As you please, sir. Some day you will re- 
pent this. {Enter Chick h. r., listens at back) I am 
not one to forget an insult. {]akk points L.) No, you 
need not accompany me. I prefer to go alone. 

\^Exit, L. u. E. 

Jake (going to chair, r.). I knew there could be no 
good of his coming here. {Sits) If he dared to wrong 
her, I'd — (Chick kneels at his side) What did he mean 
— if the worst comes to 

Chick. Oh, gee 1 dad, you are all mixed up. He 
didn't want sis to run away from you, I know all about 
it. 

Jake. His last words, if the worst comes to the 
worst, we can leave this place. 

Chick {rises, pulling ]i>lKV. c.) Why, he meant if his 
daddy wouldn't consent, he'd marry Edith without it. 

Jake {laith feeling). Then, I have wronged him. 
{crosses to D. R.) Your sister — is she inside ? 

Chick. Yep — pealing 'tatoes. 

Jake. I'll see her at once. [^Exit, h. r. 

Chick. I wonder if dad got that bear. I guess not. 
I wish he had, though it might of saved lots of trouble. 

\^Exit, h. r 

{Encer Oak l. u. e., crosses to c.) 

Oak. The child overheard his last words which 

were a threat, and will remember them. (Picks up 

^kni/e) Rather a pretty inscription. {Starts) Robert 



MYRTLE FERNS. 15 

Myrtle ! Should this old man die, this instrument be- 
ing the cause of his death, Robert would be accused of 
the murder. {Lays knife on table, crosses to c. Enter 
O 'Grady, l. u. e., listens at back) The evidence of 
the child together with that knife would be sufficient. 
When I informed Mr. Myrtle of the son's visit to this 
hut, he would not believe me, and demanded proof. 
He shall have it. I will wait, it may come my way. 
\^Exity I.. 2 E. O 'Grady //<r/C'y knife from table and 
exit L. u. E.. 

{Enter Jake 7mth knife cutting plug of tobacco, followed 
by Edith, h. r. ]av.y. frst.) 

Jake. There — there, my child, I am sorry, but you 
can easily make it up. That is. if he cares for you. 

{Sits at table, R.) 

Edith. If you had allowed him — to speak. 

Jake. I thought I was in the right. Now, go in 
and send Chick to me with my pipe. {Exit Edith, h. 
R. Enter Oak l. 2. e., crosses to H.) I wonder if he 
meant right by her. If he dared to wrong her, I'd — 
{Lays knife o?i table) Why should he ? (Oak gets 
knife, Jake crosses to c.) She is fit to be the wife of a 
Prince. (Oak stabs him — O'Grady enters l. u. e., 
sees murder and exits L. u. E. In struggle Jake gets 
handkerchief from Oak — he falls c. — Oak takes docu- 
ment from Jake and exit i.. 2 e.) Help — help — some 
one come to me — I 

{Enter Chick d. r., laith pipe.) 

Chick. Oh, gee 1 Dad, but this pipe is rank. 
(Jake groans — Chick drops pipe, runs to Jake) Why, 
daddy, you have been hurt, there is blood — Oh, daddy, 
who did it — who did 

Jake {dying). Find the owner — owner of this — this 
handkerchief — and you — you — will have my murderer. 

{Dies) 

Chick. Oh, daddy, speak to me — speak to me ! 
Edith ! Edith 1 {Enter Edith, h. r.) See ! It's poor 
dad. {Bows head) 



IQ MYRTLE FERNS. 

Edith {kneels). Dead — dead ! 

{Enter Oak l. 2 e.) 

Oak. Why, what has happened ? 

Edith. My poor father has been cruelly murdered. 

Oak. Murdered ! And by whom ? 

Edith. We know not. I wish I did ! 

Oak. Who was with your father last ? 

Edith. Why — why 

Chick. Mr. Myrtle. 

Oak. Did they part friends? {To Chick) Did 
you hear them ? 

Chick. Yes. 

Oak. What were his last words ? 

Chick. Some day you will repent this, I am not 
one to forget an insult. 

Oak: See — there is game bag — and knife belt. 
The sheath is empty — and there is the knife. (Edith 
picks up knife) Look at the name on the handle ? 

Edith. The name on the handle is 

Oak. Robert Myrtle ! 

Edith. No — there is no name. It is a blank. 

Oak. Then, there is no clue. \^Exit, L. i E. 

Chick {rises). Yes, there is ! This handkerchief. 

CURTAIN. 

(A^. B. — Oak lays knife in front of Jake after he stabs 
him^ 



ACT II. 

{Enter c. D. L. — at rise Oak and Mr. Myrtle.) 

Oak {o-osses to r.). I am afraid, sir, you are bor- 
rowing trouble. 

Mr. Myrtle. I sent you last night to this woman's 
house, did you go ? 

Oak. Yes, sir. 

Mr. Myrtle. My son, you found him there with 
this girl ? 



MYRTLE FERNS. 17 

Oak. I did. 

Mr. Myrtle. Then whafdo you mean by saying I'm 
borrowing trouble. From you I. received the informa- 
tion of my son's visit to this hut. I could not believe 
it, and demanded proof. You went there and found 
him with this old man's daughter. 

Oak. Wait until you see Robert. He will explain 
satisfactory. Bob is a man of honor. 

Mr. Myrtle. Quite true, sir. He is a Myrtle and 
the first to cause a blush of shame to our family. 

Oak. Since our acquaintance we have been like 
brothers. If he has been indiscreet, and will make 
amends you, sir, I trust, will forgive him. 

Mr. Myrtle. No, sir. He is old enough to know 
the difference between right and wrong. Should I 
countenance such conduct, I would indeed be as bad 
as he. \^Exit c. D. l. 

Oak {sit R. Sarcastic). Since our acquaintance we 
have been like brothers ! what will be the result when 
he learns that his son has been accused of murder. 
Could I have been mistaken about that knife ; no, I 
read the name on the handle. She lied to me. No 
matter, O'Grady shall be a witness, and after my friend 
Robert has been convicted, I will console the sister, by 
making her my wife — and will be a dutiful son-in-law 
to the old man — till I get his money. {Laugh outside l. 
Oak looks l.) Here comes my future happiness. Let 
me succeed here and I can easily hoodwink the vener- 
able old gent. 

{Enter Emma c. d. l.) 

Emma. Mr. Oak, I've been waiting for you some 
time. {Sit R.) 

Oak. I am yours to command. {Behind table, R.) 

Emma. What is the matter ? You look as blue as 
indigo. 

Oak. I have just had an interview with your father. 
Your brother was the subject of our conversation, and 
I'm afraid your father 



18 MYRTLE FERNS. 

Emma. Will turn Robert out. Don't permit that to 
worry you, my brother is too noble to commit a dis- 
honorable action. Father will laugh at his anger 
when he explains. 

Oak. I sincerely trust so. What a delightful com- 
panion you are. I am myself again, and waiting to 
obey you. 

Emma. I will not detain you long. 

Oak. I hope you will be in no hurry to dismiss me. 

Emma. Who is the new yachtman I met for the first 
time this morning ? How sad he looked. Do you 
know I have an excellent study — I mean for faces. 
(Oak starts.) Mr. Oak, are you ill? Shall I ring? 

Oak. No — no. {Crosses to c.) It is nothing. 

Emma. To return to our subject. What was I 
saying ? 

Oak. You were speaking of the boatman. 

Emma. Oh, yes. Do you know he is very gallant, 
he raised his hat with as much ease and grace — as any 
gentlemen I ever saw. 

Oak. It was I who recommended him to your father. 
He has been in the employ of an old friend of mine, an 
English Baronet. You can trust him, he knows every 
rope on a yacht. (JJp c.) What do you say if we test 
his ability as a sailor ? 

Emma. I must see him first. 

Oak {turns quick). No ! you must not do that. 

(D. C.) 

Emma {rises). And why not, pray? 

Oak {confused). Your father — might not think it 
proper 

Emma. I question the man that sails my boat ? 
Excuse me, Mr. Oak, I do not risk my life with 
strangers. 

Oak. It is for your sake I am anxious. You know 
I would willingly give my life to serve you, you extend 
no encouragement — tell me some day I may hope you 
will be 

{Enter Larry quick c. d. l.) 



MYRTLE FERNS. 19 

Larry. Late for your horse back ride, miss, if you 
don't hurry. (Oak cross to L. c, Emma up L. c.) 

Oak. The third time he has done the same thing. 

Emma (^"^ Larry). Very opportune, Larry. (Aloud) 
I will go at once. \_Exif, c. D. L. 

Oak. Larry! 

LARRy. Yes, sir. 

Oak. Would you like to have me for a friend ? 

Larry. No, sir. 

Oak. No — and why ? 

Larry. I have so many friends now, at the end of 
the month I have no wages coming to me. 

Oak {sarcastic). You are a smart boy ! {Sits on 
so/a) 

Larry. Do you think so ? 

Oak. Permit me to inform you that your smartness 
will get you into trouble. 

Larry. Well, yours won't ! 

Oak. How is it you happen to enter the room when 
Miss Myrtle and myself are together ? I object to 
such conduct. 

Larry. Does Miss Myrtle ? 

Oak {surprised). Does Miss Myrtle ? {Rise) 
What do you mean ? 

Larry. Well — the first time I did it, she called me 
dear Larry. The second time, she gave me a new suit 
of clothes. I'll tell you in the morning what I get's for 
this time. 

Oak. Do you know what you are going to get the 
next time ? 

Larry. No — what will I get ? 

Oak. Kicked from the room. 

Larry. Is that all ? 

Oak. No, from the house as well. 

LARRy. It will be the happiest day of my life when 
you kick me ! 

Oak Why ? 

Larry. It will give me a chance to kick you back 1 

Oak {up to Larry). You scoundrel ! I'll 

{Raise hand) 



20 MYRTLE FERNS. 

Larry. Well, why don't you ! (Oak reaches for 
hack pocket) What are you after there ? 

Oak. Why, my 

Larry. It's in the other pocket. 

Oak. Will you leave the room ? 

Larry. I will ! Not because I am afraid of you, 
{Up c.) simply because I am tired of your company. 

\_Exit, c. D. L. 

Oak. What did he mean ? Does she dislike me ? 
No — I'm a fool to pay any attention to a servant. The 
old gentleman has promised her to me, and when 
{Cross to R. c.) he speaks, they must obey. 

{Enter Robert d. r., cross to desk L. c.) 

RoBT. Good morning. Oak. Any letters ? 

Oak. Not that I know of. Have you seen your 
father this morning ? 

RoBT. (d. c. l.). No, anything particular ? 

Oak {aside). The old man here. {Aloud, hypocri- 
tical) I mean the respect due your father. He is 
getting along in years, and you should endeavor to 
make his remaining days as happy as you can. 

Mr. Myrtle. Noble youth 1 Would that my son 
were like him. 

RoBT. See here, Oak, I don't understand. 

Mr. Myrtle {down c). Then, I will enlighten 
you. {To Oak) Leave us. 

Oak {cross to c, Mr. Myrtle to R. c). Pardon me, 
sir, but I trust you won't be too severe. 

RoBT. Excuse me, sir 1 When I want you to plead 
in my behalf, I will ask you, if necessary. I can de- 
fend myself. 

Mr. Myrtle {to Oak). Leave us, my son. (Oak 
bows np c.) \_Exit, c. d. l. 

RoBT. Your son ? Not while I am her brother 1 

Mr. Myrtle. Silence ! Where were you last night ? 

RoBT. Here, in the house. 

Mr. Myrtle. I mean yesterday afternoon. 

RoBT. At the house of Mr. Worth. Why do you 
ask? 



MYRTLE FERNS. 21 

Mr. Myrtle. Don't question me, sir! You are 
here to answer. How often have you been there ? 

RoBT. Yesterday, for the first time. 

Mr. Myrtle {sarcastic). Did you go to see Mr. 
Worth ? 

RoBT. No, sir, I called to see his daughter, Miss 
Edith. 

Mr. Myrtle. You are very familiar, considering 
you have been there but once. 

Robt. Why, father, I have known the young lady 
for some time. Wait until you have seen her, and I 
am positive you will approve of my choice. 

Mr. Myrtle {sarcastic). Your choice ! A fine 
companion for you, the daughter of a beggar that 
entices the sons of respectable men into her miser- 
able hut, so that shame and disgrace may follow. If 
you have no regard for me, at least remember you have 
a sister. {Cross to r.) 

Robt. You do a terrible injustice to one of the 
noblest women that ever lived. What right have you 
to judge ? You have not even seen her, your only 
excuse is, that she is poor. A great crime in the eyes 
of a rich man. 

Mr. Myrtle. How dare you ! 

Robt. For shame 1 Such principles are beneath 
the dignity of honest men. You have no right to 
doubt me. I never deceived you in my life. {Cross 

to L.) 

Mr. Myrtle. Are you going to marry this person ? 

Robt. No sir. 

Mr. Myrtle. No sir — and why ? 

Robt. She is too honorable to marry a son, with- 
out his father's consent. 

Mr. Myrtle (c). Which I will never give. {Enter 
Larry and Emma, l. d. c.) I forbid you to see her 
again. Will you obey me ? 

Robt. No, I cannot promise that. 

Mr. Myrtle. Then you are no son of mine, this 
house can shelter you no longer. {Cross to R. c.) Go, 
I never want to see your face again. 



22 MYRTLE FERNS. 

Emma {do7an to Robt.). No father. If he goes — I 
leave with him. 

Larry. Yes sir. We'll all go. 

Mr. Myrtle. You get out I 

Larry. Yes sir. \^Exti, c. d. l. 

(Emma and Roet. up c.) 

Robt. Come sis, and I'll explain the cause of this 
difficulty. \^Exitwith Emma c. d. l. 

Mr. Myrtle. The boy made me ashamed. How 
proud he looked, but I am in the right, she is no mate 
for him. I'd like to see her — and I will. Why, per- 
haps Mr. Oak has. {Ring bell, enter Larry c. d. l.) 
Inform Mr. Oak that I desire his presence. {Sit R.) 

Larry. Yes, sir. {Start i..) Here he comes now. 
Speak of the old boy — and some of his relation's are 
bound to appear. {Enter Oak c. d. l., looks at Larry 
snaps fingers in Larry 's_/a^(? then D. L. c.) The looks 
of him would kill a frog. \^Exii c. D. L. 

Mr. Myrtle. Mr. Oak, did you see the girl last 
night ? 

Oak. Which one? 

Mr. Myrtle. Miss Edith. 

Oak. Yes sir. 

Mr. Myrtle. What is she like ? 

Oak. Mr Myrtle, I hope you will pardon me, but 
this is placing me in unpleasant position, if you insist 
I must answer. But sincerely trust you will spare me. 

Mr. Myrtle. I understand your motive for silence 
and appreciate it. But I am his father and what I do 
is for his own good. Go on sir. 

Oak. I have only this to say, if I am a judge of 
nature, she is anything but a fit companion for your 
son. 

Mr. Myrtle {up c). He has been deceived. I 
will speak to again, and if he refuses to obey, he shall 
leave my house. [Exit, c. D. L. 

Oak. He loves the boy and it will be hard to turn 
him out. The authorities have been notified of the mur- 
der, a gentle hint and a reward will set the sheriff to 



MYRTLE FERNS. 23 

work. Unless I am mistaken my friend Robert will 
sleep in jail to-night. {Laugh outside \..) They are in 
excellent humor, what can it mean ? (Cross to d. r.) 
Well, it's sunshine now, it will be cloudy before long. 

\Exit^ D. R. 

{Enter c. d. l. emma.) 

Emma. Who can be the instigator of this trouble 
{Sit R.) Poor Bob it was all I could do to persuade 
him not to leave. And the new boatman, Mr. O'Grady, 
two or three times I have noticed a sad look as though 
he pitied me. {Enter Oak, c. d. r.) I can't get a 
word from him. 

Oak, Alone. 

Emma. Mr Oak, how came father to know of Bob's 
visits to the home of Mr. Worth ? 

Oak. He insisted, I was obliged to inform him. 

Emma. So ! You followed Robert. 

Oak {embarrassed). No— I — I did not follow him. 

Emma. How did you know ? 

Oak. From your brother. 

Emma. Strange my brother should make you his 
confident. {Rise.) However you might of had some 
consideration for me, if not for Bob. I am expecting a 
visit from an old schoolfriend. This scandal will be 
sure to reach her. {Cross to l c. J You can imagine 
how pleasant it will be for me. 

Oak. It will never reach her through me. There is 
no sacrifice — nothing I would not do to please you. I 
have but one thought — one ambition, that some day I 
may call you mine. {Enter Larry c. d. l.) Tell me 
that you 

Larry. Will have to hurry if you are going to meet 
your friend. 

Emma, {laughs up l. c). Very well Larry. Mr. 
Oak will excuse me I am sure. \Exit, c. d. l. 

Oak {sarcastic). Again ! 

Larry. Yes again. {Sit r.) 

Oak. What are you waiting for ? 



24 MYRTLE FERNS. 

Larry. To be kicked out ? Say what will you give 
me, if I let you alone ? 

Oak {aside). With a little money I can buy this 
fellow. 

Larry. ' He's talking with the devil now. (SiVs.) 

Oak. Larry, come here, 1 want you, 

LARRy. Then, you will have to come to me, I'm 
tired. 

Oak. You needn't fear, I won't hurt you. 

Larry. Don't flatter (To c.) yourself, I am not 
afraid of you. Do you know the old Irish saying ? 

Oak. No — what is it ? 

Larry. A man that is honest and tries to do his 
duty, need fear no one. But he who has a black heart 
and a dark secret, gets neither rest or peace. And I 
am after thinking it's mighty little sleep that you get. 

Oak. Indeed, what makes you think so ? 

Larry. I will tell you. When master Bob came 
home from school he brought you with him. That 
same day I found a little puppy which had lost its 
mother and strayed into the road. A wagon run over 
it, hearing it's pitiful cries, I gently picked it up and 
placed it in a basket. Then I ran to the house to get 
something to bind up its wounds with. You came 
along, attracted by its pitiful cries, you went out of 
your way to kick the basket. Not satisfied with this, 
you put your foot under the poor little sufferer and 
kicked it over the stone wall. But it never struck the 
hard ground you intended it should. Oh, no ! I saw 
your wicked act — got around the stone wall first, and 
received the poor little dog in my arms. And I knew 
that he who would abuse a dumb animal, would never 
hesitate to sacrifice his best friend. (Cross to Oak.) 
Rap that in your cigarette and puff it. (Snaps fingers 
in Oh.YJ'^face up c. — Okk Jumps up as to strike him.) 

Oak. If I gave you your just deserts I'd ■ 

(r.ARRY, attitude of fight.) Bah ! I am a fool to banter 
words with you. (Cross to D. R.) Your insolence will 
receive it's just reward. \Exit, d. r. 



MYRTLE FERNS. 25 

Larry. Another failure. I'll hit himthe next time 
we meet, (En/er Chick, c. d. l.) for disappointing me 
— (Sees Chick.) How did you get in ? (Chick ;7/;u 
R.) Oh, you needn't fear me, 1 wouldn't harm a hair in 
your head. (6^ c.) Sit down, and I'll tell the lady 
of the house you want to see her. 

Chick. But I don't want to see her. 

Larry. Who do you want to see ? 

Chick. I want to see the man that was at our 
house. 

Larry {aside). This must be the sister. Do you 
mean Mr. Robert ? 

Chick. No, the other man. 

Larry. It's Oak she means. I'll send him to you 
at once. Then I tell Mr. Myrtle that Oak is here 
making love to the other sister, and that will square 
master Bob. \_Exit, c. D. L. 

Chick. Poor — poor dad, how lonely it is now that 
you are gone. No more shall I watch and wait. No 
more will I listen for the old familiar sound, the rust- 
ling of the leaves down the mountain trail, that use to 
tell me, my dad was coming home. That is all over 
now. Oh, if I could only find out who did it, so that 
I could save my poor sister. {Enter Oak d. r.) But 
I will and I 

Oak. What are you doing here ? 

Chick. 1 came to see you, sir. You said you 
would come back and help us to find the one that killed 
my poor father. 

Oak. I said nothing of the kind, and you did 
wrong to come here. 

Chick. You say you did not tell us you would 
return 

Oak. Tut — tut, it would be of no use unless we 
had proof. Are 5^ou certain the knife had no name on 
the handle ? Think, my little girl. 

Chick. No — there was no name on the handle. 

Oak. Then we can do nothing without a clue, 
which you say you have not ? 

Chick. No. 



26 MYRTLE FERNS. 

Oak (cross to L. c). Then, you may as well go 
home. 

Chick (iipc.). Oh I yes, I have got something 

Oak {quick). You have — what? {i'J> c, Chick 
rims R. c.) 

Chick. You — you frighten me. 

Oak. I was only anxious for your sake, what have 
you ? 

Chick. A handkerchief with letters on. 

Oak {aside). Mine! I must have it, or she never 
leaves here. {Aloud.) Let me see it ? 

Chick. No — I don't like you, and you sha'n't have 
it. 

Oak. As you please, but, as you cannot read, you 
don't know whether they are letters or not. 

Chick. I can read a little — and I know one of the 
letters is 

Oak. Yes, yes- 



Chick. a big round O ! 

Oak. By all, that's bad ! Come, let me see it ! 

Chick. You will give it back to me — you can read, 
can't you? {Holds up handkerchief.) 

Oak. Yes, my dear. {Grabs handkerchief.) Has 
any one else seen this ? 

Chick, Only you and L 

Oak. You are mistaken, {Ptits handkerchief in 
pocket, crosses to L. C.) there is nothing on it. 

Chick {up c). You said you would give it back to 
me. 

Oak. You have no right to it, it is mine. 

Chick {ticrns quick). Yours ? 

Oak. Yes. 

Chick. Are you quite sure ? 

Oak. Yes, quite sure ! 

Chick. Then, it was you that killed my poor, old 
father ! 

Oak. What? 

Chick. Yes, you ! the last words he ever spoke 
were, find the owner of that handkerchief, and you 
will have my murderer I 



MYRTLE FERNS. 27 

Oak. Silence ! How dare you speak so to me ! 
{Enter O'Grady, c. d. r.) 

Chick. I have a right to speak, and I will 1 

Oak. If you do, I'll {^Starts for Chick.) 

O'Grady (betiveen them). Touch her, if you dare ! 

Oak. She knows too much — she must not leave 
here. 

O'Grady. She shall leave, and no one will harm 
her. 

Oak. Take care 1 If you interfere, I'll throw you 
from that window. 

O'Grady. Try it 1 What I am doing is for the 
best. Leave her to me, you have nothing to fear. 
Little one, the handkerchief is no clue. 

Chick. There is a name on it, I am sure. 

O'Grady. Will you not trust me ? 

Chick. Yes, for I like you, but I don't like him. 

O'Grady. Then, promise to say nothing of this 
interview, and I will do all that I can for you. 

Chick. I promise to say nothing — even to sis, but, 
you will try — won't you, to find who killed my poor 
old father? (O'Grady starts.) Perhaps you know — 
yes, you do know 

Oak. Yes, I 

Oak (Jias newspaper). The steamship, St. Armery, 
more news of that terrible disaster ! {Crosses to L. c.) 

O'Grady. I will aid you if I can. Go, now, and 
when you are outside — run — run as fast as you can 
until you are safe home. 

Chick. Home ? We have no home, now that poor 
dad is gone. \^Exit, c. D. l. 

Oak. Do you pity her ? 

O'Grady. From the bottom of my heart. 

Oak. You had better keep the sympathy for your- 
self, you will need it before I am through with you — 
that is, if you behave as you did a few moments ago. 

O'Grady. How much longer am I to be your 
slave ? 

Oak. Until I am married to Miss Myrtle I 



28 MYRTLE FERNS. 

(O 'Grady starts.) Ah, I thought so ! Have you 
had any conversation witli her lately, I mean in 
private ? 

O'Gradv. Why do you ask ? 

Oak. That is my business. In the future, I forbid 
you to speak to her. It is dangerous for us both. 

O'Gradv. I don't understand. 

Oak. Then, I will make myself clear, you are in 
love with her. Do you take me for a fool ? When I 
spoke of making her my wife, you blushed to the roots 
of your hair like a schoolboy. You do love her, and 
there is no use denying it. 

O'Gradv. Well ? 

Oak. You will notify Mr. Myrtle you are going to 
leave. 

O'Gradv. I will do nothing of the kind 1 

Oak {crosses to r.). Then, I will do it for you. 

O'Gradv {quick). You had better — (Oak looks at 
hi7n.) — allow me to remain. (Oak c. r., O'Gradv down 
R. corfier.) 

{Enter Mr. Mvrtle a?id Bob — Emma c. d. l., Emma 
do7iiti R. c, Mr. Mvrtle. a?id Bob down l. c.) 

Mr. Mvrtle. Here we are — here we are 1 I knew 
my son would not refuse to obey his old dad. 

Oak. Words cannot express my pleasure at seeing 
you and your son once more united. Robert, if I have 
offended you, I trust you will forgive me. 

RoBT. Certainly. I am not one to bare malice 
{Enter Larrv c. d. l.) 

Larrv. If you please Master Robert, there is a man 
outside — who wants to see you. 

RoBT. Admit him. 

Larry {looks l. c). This way, sir if you please. 

{Ejiter Sheriff c. D. L. with huntings bag and knife belt 

same that Bob used in Act I.) 

Sheriff {to Mr. Myrtle). Sorry to disturb your 
household sir. {To Bob.) You, sir, are my prisoner 1 

All. Prisoner ? 



JHTRTLE FERNS. 29 

RoBT. On u'hat charge ? 

Sheriff. !Murder I 

Robert. Oh, this is ridiculous. 

Mr. Myrtle. One moment, sir. 

Sheriff. I am doing my duty, sir. 

Mr. Myrtle. And there is no one here to oppose 
you. What proof have you that my son is guilty ? {Ta 
Bob.) Why don't you speak and say you are innocent ? 

Emma. He need not say — we know he is ! 

Sheriff. Hunting bag and sheath are yours — are 
they not. 

RoBT. Yes. 

Sheriff. They were found at the murdered man's 
cabin. The knife that did the work belongs in that 
sheath. {Up to Q. D.) 

Mr. Myrtle. If this be true, may Heaven forgive 
you — for — I — I never can. {Sinks on sofa, l.) 

O'Grady {to Oak). Don't you see you are killing 
the father as well as the son. Have you no mercy — no 
feeling ? (Oak in anger takes his hand to si/ence him.) 

Emma. Robert, look me in the face. (Bob does so.) 
No you are not guilty — though the evidence were ten 
times as strong — though the whole world were against 
you — I believe — I know you are innocent. 

Larry (c). And so do I I {To Oak.) Come out 
of that you and look at me 1 

Emma. Larry ? 

Larry. Forgive me miss. But I believe those two 
know more than they are willing to tell. You Mr. Oak 
won't speak, because you're hard by name — and hard by 
nature. But you — who are you ? 

O'Grady. My name is O'Grady. 

Larry. You lie I The O'Grady's were men — not 
cowards 1 

O'Grady. Coward ! 

Larry. Aye ! coward, if you were not that same, 
you'd speak out and tell what you know, and save this 
good family from disgrace. 

CURTAIN. 



30 MYRTLE FERNS. 



ACT III. 

(Dis. — O'Grady seated on stump R., Oak c. with over- 
coat and document in hand.) 

Oak {holds up document). Do you see this. It is 
the agreement that was drawn up to scuttle the ship, 
and it is signed by you. Should it fall into the hands 
of the authorities, it would land you in jail — perhaps on 
the gallows. Think over my proposition and give me 
your answer in the morning, (i^;//*?/- Larry r. e. cross 
to L. when L. c. Oak, speaks to him.) Where have you 
been? 

Larry. If any one asks you — tell them that you 
don't know. 

Oak. I understand you are about to leave us ? 

Larry. I have me notice to quit, and I suppose I 
can thank you for it. 

Oak. I said your insolence would get you in trouble 
— you see I prophesied correctly. 

Larry. You did, sir. As to my discharge don't let 
that worry you, faith I am use to it. I get discharged 
one day and hired back the next. But this time I am 
not going to ask to be taken back. 

Oak. Why not ? 

Larry. I have a little work of my own to do, I am 
going to turn detective ! (O'Grady starts. Aside.) 
I thought so. {Aloud^ And if the Lord is with those 
who try to do right. I'll liberate Master Robert and 
place the rope around the neck of the guilty one. 

Oak. a grand resolve. To show how I appreciate 
your noble endeavor, I am going to aid you. {Cross 
to Larry.) 

Larry. I want nothing from you, give it to your 
second in command there — {Turns L.) you black 
hearted 

Oak. What do you mean ? 

Larry. Who's talking to you ? 



MYRTLE FERNS. 31 

Oak. To who then ? 

Larry. Your betters — a snake that ran in the grass 
yonder. 

Oak. I have stood all from you I am going to, 
{Cross to R.) you shall leave this place to-day. 

Larry. Will I ? 

Oak. Go to the devil. [^Exit r. i. e. 

Larry. How can I when you run away from me, 
{Sees O'Grady.) I wonder what's the matter with this 
chap. Yonder goes your master, why don't you follow 
him ? 

O'Grady. I have no angry words for you, your 
heart is in the right place, and you try to do your duty. 

Larry {cross to h. l.). For the first time in my life 
I am lost for answer. I don't think he's as bad as I 
thought him. \^Exit H. L. 

O'Grady. Yonder goes your master, why don't you 
follow him. 
{Enter'EuuK and "Lakry h. l. Larry remains in door?) 

Emma. Who do you mean Larry? 

Larry. That poor chap over there. Speak a kind 
word to him. I think I have been the cause of makmg 
him feel bad. \_Exit, H. L. 

Emma. Speak a kind word to him. I wish he would 
let me. The moment I approach he will leave. Oh, I 
hate a man that won't talk. Mr. O'Grady, are yougoing 
to use the boat ? 

O'Grady (m^). No, Miss. {Up c.) 

Emma {cross to r.). Do you think the weather favor- 
able ? 

O'Grady. Yes, miss. 

Emma. Thank you. Yes ; miss — no miss, that's all I 
ever heard that man say. I wish he had never come 
here. No, I don't mean that — I — I don't know what I 
do mean, but I'll make him talk. Mr. O'Grady. 

O'Grady. Yes, miss. 

Emma. Am I so repulsive, that when we meet you 
endeavor to avoid me ? 

O'Grady, No — no, not that, if I seem ungentle- 



32 MYRTLE FERNS. 

manly, it is because I am afraid of presuming. You 
must remember your position — and mine, your servant. 

Emma. Let us forget formality. Will you pardon 
my inquisitiveness .'' 

O'Grady. Certainly. 

Emma. Have you always followed the sea ? 

O'Grady. Not always. 

Emma {sit). Will you relate to me something of 
your past ? 

O'Grady. If you care to knovi^. 

Emma. I should very much. 

O'Grady. My past has not been a happy one. I 
am alone in the world — except a little sister, or rather 
she was little when I left my home. Pardon my weak- 
ness, but the sound of the word home recalls recollec- 
tions of the past. A father I scarcely remember, but 
a mother ! bless her dear old heart at the hearth stone 
of a night, with my sister, a little blue eyed lass on her 
lap, while I lay at her feet. I remember it as though it 
were yesterday, her parting words to me. You my son 
are going out in the world to do for yourself. We may 
never meet again, but let my words be engraven on your 
memory. Always be honest, upright and just. 

Emma. And I know you have. 

O'Grady. No, I have 'not. 

Emma {rise). You have not? {Turn r.) 

O'Grady. Don't — don't turn from me, I am no 
criminal. {She turns to him.) I want you to think 
kindly of me, and I dare not tell you that which hangs 
over my head and makes my life miserable. Oh, if I 
dared to trust — if I dared to tell you the cause of my 
downfall. 

Emma. You can trust me, your secret I will never 
reveal, and if I can, I will aid you. 

O'Grady. You shall — {Looks around) — know for I 
long to confide in some one. Six years ago, I was the 
owner of a fine plantation in Louisiana. Reverses 
came and I resolved to go east. Before doing so I left 
all in the hands of an old friend, with the understanding 
should he be able to do anything with the old place, I 



MYRTLE FERNS. 33 

were to receive half. On my arrival east I became ac- 
quainted with a stranger. He pictured bright prospects 
to me — I listened to him for I was anxious to redeem 
myself. I cannot explain how, but that man got me 
under the influence of liquor for the first time in my 
life. Not knowing • what I was doing, I signed my 
name to a paper to commit a terrible crime. 

Emma. But you did not do it ? 

O'Grady. No, I did not ! 

Emma. You are not deceiving me ? 

O'Grady. As I hope for mercy hereafter I am 
speaking the truth ! 

Emma. And I believe you ! But this agreement ? 

O'Grady. Is held by this man — until I get it, I 
am 

Larry {outside). Wait a moment miss, I will send 
her to you. 

Emma {cross to h.). If you ever want a friend, don't 
hesitate to come to me. (O'Grady bo7us a?id exit, R. 
u. E.) 

(Enter Larry h. l.) 

Larry. If you please, Miss, there is a lady to see 
you. 

Emma. Ask her to step this way. 

Larry. This way miss, if you please. 

{Enter Edith h. l. Exit Larry h. l.) 

Emma. Miss Worth ? 

Edith. Yes. 

Emma. I have been expecting you, I am more than 
pleased, 

Edith. Your kindness — how can I ever repay you ? 
{Cross to 'R.) 

Emma. IBy helping me to exonerate my brother, and 
at the same time add to your own happiness. 

Edith. My happiness ? 

Emma. I know all, Bob's love for you and how he 
hopes one day to make you his wife. 

Edith. That can never be. 



34: MYRTLE FERNS. 

Emma. Oh, yes it can. You allude to my father, 
it is for that purpose I invited you here. I am going to 
rechristen you. In the future you will be a Miss 
Summers. I informed father I was expecting a visit 
from the aforesaid lady. An old school friend of mine. 

Edith. Is he rich ? 

Emma. You must pardon me — but I anticipated, you 
will find every thing ready for the disguise. I under- 
stand your feelings in this manner — but remember it is 
for Bob's sake. I want my father to know^ — to learn to 
love you, as I am sure he will. 

Edith. I don't know 

Emma. But I do. Come Miss Summers — no come, 
sister. (Edith goes to Emma.) Larry. 

(JSnfer IjArry h. l.) 

Larry. Yes, Miss. (Cross to c.) 

Emma. See that Miss Summer's baggage is taken up 
stairs. 

Edith. Oh, I haven't any 1 \Exit with Emma h. l. 

Larry. It's all up there I That's the young lady. 
Oh, poor Master Robert, how my heart aches for him. 
Yonder is the jail. Five miles between him and his 
sweetheart. 

{Efiter Emma h. l.) 

Emma. Larry, do you know who that lady is ? 

Larry. Yes, Miss, I do. 

Emma. If necessary — would you object telling a 
lie for me ? 

Larry. Devil a one. I'll tell a dozen if you want 
me to. 

Emma, I want no one to know this lady is Miss 
Worth. Should any one ask, or if you are obliged to 
speak to her, remember she is Miss Summers, at 
least for the present. 

Larry. I never saw the lady before, and I'll swear 
she is Miss Summers till I'm black in the face. 

Emma. This deception may be wrong, but I am 
positive good will come of it. I can depend upon you ? 



MYRTLE FERNS. 35 

Larry. Faith you can, but hold on — did you know 
I had been discharged ? 

Emma. Then I will reengage you. As long as I 
have a home you shall never want. 

Larry. And as long as I have life I will do all I can 
to deserve it. Have you heard from Master Robert ? 

Emma. Yes, his trial takes place to-morrow. He 
will be acquitted and we will have him home once more. 

Larry. I am afraid you are mistaken. 

Emma. Mistaken ? 

Larry. Yes, Miss, for those who put him there will 
not allow him to escape so easily. You see — should 
Master Robert be convicted, the case would end and 
the guilty have naught to fear. 

Emma. Should he be liberated ? 

Larry. The guilty would be hunted down. Now 
you see. 

Emma. You suspect some one? 

Larry. Yes, Mr. Oak 1 

Emma. Mr. Oak ? What benefit could he derive ? 

Larry. You are promised to Mr Oak by your 
father, once his wife half your father's fortune would be 
his. Should your brother die or bring disgrace on the 
family, who would get the other half ? 

Emma. Oh, I must see Mr. Oak. {Start for h. l.) 

Larry, No, don't do that, leave it to me and I will 
save your brother. 

Emma. You will save him ? 

Larry. I have sworn that he should never be con- 
victed, and I'll keep my word. Find if your father has 
disinherited your brother. But don't let Oak know you 
suspect him. 

Emma. Trust me. And I sincerely hope you suc- 
ceed. {Exit, H. L. 

Larry. Faith, I hope I may. (Tiirtis r.) Here 
comes my bird now, and as I have no desire to see him, 
I'll follow Miss Emma. {Exit, H. L. 

{Enter Oak helping on Mr. Myrtle r. u. e. cross to 
chair C.) 



36 MYRTLE FERNS. 

Oak. 1 am pleased you are better. Come sit here. 
(Myrtle sits.) You are fatigued, and must be careful 
not to exert yourself. 

Mr. Myrtle. Ask my daughter to step this way. 
I desire to speak with her. 

Oak. Certainly. {Cross to h.) Oh, allow me to 
place this coat around your shoulders. The air from 
the bay is chilly. {Cross to H. L. Place coat oti shoul- 
der.) 

Mr. Myrtle. Your kindness — your devotion to me 
I shall never forget. 

Oak {solemn). My dear sir, if we would all en- 
deavor to make others happy, how much misery and 
suffering might we not save in this world. \^Exit, H. L. 

Mr. Myrtle. Bob — Bob you are killing your old 
father. (Emma e?iter l. u. e. cross to c.) 1 am thank- 
ful his mother did not live to endure this agony. My 
son a murderer. 

Emma {knee/s). Father your son is no murderer! 

Mr. Myrtle. Would I could think so. But there, 
we will drop the subject, as it is an unpleasant one. I 
wish to speak of the future. Regarding Mr. Oak 

Emma. We will speak of him some other time. 
{Lays coat over back of chair) My school friend has 
arrived, I want you to meet her. I left Miss Summers 
when Oak called me. 

Mr. Myrtle {rises.) Certainly my daughter. We 
must not forget the courtesy due our guests {Exit, 
Emma) though we are obliged to carry heavy hearts. 

\_Exit, H. L. 
{Enter Chick r.u.e. run7iing.) 

Chick. He was here a few moments ago, for hours 
I have been watching him. I will not leave until I get 
that handkerchief. There he is in the house, and he 
will return it if — {Sees coat) His coat ! {Examines 
it — get dociitnetit — then get handkerchief from pocket. ) The 
handkerchief! Well you bet he won't get this again. 
He is coming, I'll just climb. [Exit riinnijig r; u. e. 
{Enter Oak. h. l. gets coat.) 



MYRTLE FERNS. 37 

Oak. How stupid to leave this here. Had it fallen 
into other hands 1 might have been ruined. To- 
morrow is the da}' set for his trial, to-night he will be 
lynched. {Lang/ts.) How shall I ever survive the dis- 
grace of my willful brother-in-law. [^Exit, H. l. 

{Enter Chick and O'Grady r. u. e.) 

Chick. Say mister you ain't angry — are you? 

O'Grady. No, but it was wrong to return. 

Chick. I was so hungry ^ 

O'Grady. Are you hungry? 

Chick. Oh, gee ! I could eat a raw mattus. 

O'Grady. You mean a tomato. X^'ait, I'll get you 
something. {Cross to L.) 

Chick. No, don't go, I can wait. {Cross to l. c, 
O'Grady sits r.) Who is that man that just went in 
there ? I mean the one that stole my handkerchief ? 

O'Grady. Mr. Oak ? 

Chick. Oak — Oak ! He's got another name, hasn't 
he? 

O'Grady. Yes, Nelson Oak. 

Chick {aside). I wish I could read, I wish it now 
more than ever. Say, mister, can't you teach me to 
read, just a little ? 

O'Grady. Not now, I am in no humor, besides it 
would require patience and many weeks. 

Chick. You said you would do anything for me, 
and I don't ask much. 

O'Grady. You will have to wait until I can get you 
a spelling-book. 

Chick {picks tip piece of hark). Oh, this will do. 
You write two words on this, and I will try and spell 
them out. 

O'Grady. Oh — well, what shall it be ? 

Chick. Let me see, oh, yes, Nelson Oak. 

O'Grady {starts). No— no, not that, think of some- 
thing else. 

Chick. I thought of that first, and I won't have any 
other. 



38 MYRTLE ^EUM. 

O'Grady. Just as you please. {Writes.) Nelson 
Oak. There, that will do. {Hands bark.) 

Chick {cross c). Yes, it will do for what I want. 
{Lights half down — put on rea. ) 

O'Grady. What is your name ? 

Chick. Chick, that's all — ain't much, is it ? {Flash 
of lightning and sou fid of thunder^ 

O'Grady. You are a nice little girl, Chick. But 
you use an expression that don't sound very ladylike. 
Oh, gee 1 

Chick. You git out ! Say, don't you want to know 
where I live ? Let me know when you are coming, and 
I'll dust up a little. 

O'Grady. I certainly will call. {Lightning and 
thunder.) 

Chick. Not much, you won't! I am not receiving 
the attentions of young men — just yet. {Loud clap of 
thunder.) 

O'Grady. There is going to be a storm. ( Up c.) 
I must look after the boats. You remain, I won't be 
gone long. [^Exit, L. u. E. 

Chick {compares bark and handkerchief ). The same 
as on the bark, and the owner of this, is the one that 
killed my old dad. ( Up c.) Oh ! If I only had some 
one to help me. 

{Enter Larry h. l.) 

Larry. What, you? Oh, Lord! it's the sister, 
she'll recognize the other, and there will be the devil 
to pay. (7<?,^'^i" Chick's arm — leads her down c.) 

Chick {throivs off hand). See here, mister, I am 
not very broad nor very tall, but I am just about the 
right size to know the respect due a lady. 

Larry {takes hold of her). Come here, I have no 
time to fool with you. Do you love your sister ? 

Chick. Better than my life — is there anything the 
matter ? Speak 1 

Larry. Not yet. But there will be if you don't 
help me. Can you lie ? 

Chick {laughs). Oh, gee 1 can't I ? 



MYRTLE FERNS. 39 

{Enter O 'Grady l, u. e.) 

Larry. Faith ! you are a lady. Come with me, and 
I'll tell you what's to be done. {Up c. with Chick.) 

O 'Grady. I am pleased to find you in good company. 
Larry is a man of honor, and worth making a friend of. 

{Cross to R. c.) 

Larry. O'Grady, you're a puzzle to me. 

O'Grady. I don't understand you. 

Larry. I don't understand myself. If I have 
wronged you, I ask you to forgive me. 

O'Grady {offers hand). With all my heart. 

Larry. O'Grady ! let you be what you may, I like 
you. {Takes hand.) Come, my lady, I want to pre- 
pare you for the sacrifice. ( Up c, Chick ?// to l. u. e.) 
You will have to lie like the devil. 

Chick. You will be proud of me when I am through. 

[^Exit, L. u. E. 

Larry. Lead on, my lady, and I'll follow you. 
{Cross to L. u. E.) Cheer up, Mr. O'Grady, there's 
bright days in store for you. [Exit, L. u. e. 

O'Grady. No ! All is darkness for me. I must 
leave here or I will go mad. The kindness she bestows 
on me is more than I can bear, and makes me feel just 
what I am. A poor miserable wretch. {Up r. c. 
Bus. with rope.) 

{Enter Emma and Mr. Myrtle, h. l.) 

Emma (d. l. c, Mr. Myrtle sits c). Father, what 
do you think of my friend. Miss Summers ? 

Mr. Myrtle. My child — I have scarcely seen her. 

Emma. I want your opinion when you have seen 
more of the lady. Every time I see that man my heart 
beats like a trip-hammer, Mr. O'Grady. 

O'Grady. Yes, miss. {Retnoves hat.) 

Emma. Will you see that the boat is ready, I have 
arranged for a sail. 

O'Grady {qiiick). Not to-day! I beg your par- 
don. I don't think it safe. 

Mr. Myrtle. He is right. The weather is treach- 
erous, I rather you would wait. 



40 MYRTLE FERNS. 

Emma. You don't think it safe ? 

{Enter Oak h. l., remains m door.) 

O'Grady {cross D. R. c). In one hour from now no 
boat will be safe on the bay. 

Oak {cross to r.). I differ with you, sir. There 
will be nothing to fear for three hours at least. 

O'Grady. You are mistaken 

Oak {aside to 0'Gka.d\). Silence! How dare you? 
Miss Myrtle, I am a good judge of the weather. I 
shall be only too happy to brave the chance to afford 
you pleasure. ( 2^o O'Grady.) We can remain close to 
shore. When I ask — say you think it safe. (O'Grady 
tip c.) 

Emma. I should like to go very much, I regret to 
disappoint my friend. 

Oak. Ah ! your friend has arrived ? You need not 
disappoint her. Mr. O'Grady, you have made a slight 
mistake, for one hour you think it safe. Do you not ? 

O'Grady. I have made no mistake ! Positively, 
Miss Myrtle, it is not safe. (Mr. Myrtle rises.) 

Emma. Then we will not go. 

Mr. Myrtle. You had better wait. {Looks L.) 
I see your friend coming this way. I will leave you to 
entertain Miss Summers. {Starts L.) 

Emma. No ! I go with you to meet her. 

l^Exitn. L. Myrtle a«^/ Emma. 

Oak. She avoids me on every occasion. O'Grady, 
why did you say that ? 

O'Grady. I spoke the truth. 

Oak. You are a brave man. 

O'Grady. I thought not of myself. 

Oak. I will have no further use for you after two 
weeks. 

O'Grady. Thank Heaven ! 

Oak. Are you anxious to leave this place ? 

O'Grady. No — only anxious to make amends for 
the past. {Up -R. c.) 

Oak. The sooner I get rid of him the better. 



MYRTLE FERNS. 41 

{Enter Emma ^w^/Edith — Edith d. l. corner Edith has 
changed to ha?idsome dress.) 

Emma. This is your most severe task. If you don't 
betray yourself now, the rest is easy. 

Edith. I am ready for the test. 

Emma. Mr. Oak, {Cross to c.) my friend, Miss 
Summers. 

Oak. I am pleased {Cross to l.) to meet 1 beg 

your — pardon ! What is the name ? 

Emma. Miss Summers. 

Oak {looks at Miss Emma t/ien with a smile). Miss 
Summers, your obedient. If I'm not mistaken we have 
met before. 

Edith. You are mistaken, I don't think we ever did. 

Oak. Excuse me I am, sure 

Emma. Mr. Oak ! You forget yourself. 

Oak. I have met some one that resemb^les Miss 
Summers. {Cross to R. corner.) I hope 1 have not of- 
fended. 

Edith. We are all liable to mistakes. {Sees 
O 'Grady.) What a nice looking man. How sad he 
looks. Who is lie ? 

Oak {sarcastic). Only one of the servants, 

Emma. And a perfect gentleman. {Up l. c. with 
Edith.) 

Oak {aside). That is Miss Worth. There is a 
reason for her being here. I must know what it is. 

Emma. I am pleased that you like to sail. I have 
every confidence in our boatman. 

Edith. What place is that ? Surely no one lives 
there. 

Emma {turns away). That is the jail where my 

Edith. Forgive me. (Emma and Edith d. c. l.) 

Oak. If agreeable, ladies, what do you say to a sail ? 

O'Grady [down c). No — no, not to-day 

Oak {hjuii). I trust you will pay no attention to 
your boatmap ! He is some what of a coward, and afraid 
of getting w^t. I am an excellent sailor, and an expert 
with a yacht. [O'Grady Exit at "-'coward^^ l. u. e. 



42 MYRTLE FERNS. 

Emma. I prefer to wait. 

Oak. As you please. Have you heard anything of 
the Worth family lately ? How the poor young ladies 
must suffer! I suppose they are obliged to beg for their 
living. How I feel for them ! 

Emma [stands in frojit — or aside of Edith so that 
Oak caiCt see he?-). Your sympathy betrays your noble 
nature. Miss Summers, wait for me inside. (Edith 
slowly with bowed head up to d. l. Oak c. endeavois to 
look in her face. At door she raises her face to his — then 
exit. Oak raises his hat, crosses to R. c.) I understand 
why you asked those questions. You still believe this 
lady to be Miss Worth .'' 

Oak. I must confess I do. 

Emma. Supposing you are right, would it not be 
contemptible to wound her feelings the way you did ? 

Oak. Then the lady is Miss Worth ? 

Emma. This is the third time you have insulted me 
by asking that same question. (Cross to d. l.) It is her 
first visit here, and the first time you ever met Miss 
Summers. [^£xit H. l. 

Oak. But not the first time I have met Miss Worth ! 
When I used the word beggar she trembled like a leaf, 
the other seeing her agitation, hurries her into the 
house. But she will' betray herself and to-morrow 
when she learns that her affianced has been lynched — 
[Laugh outside^ They are coming this way, convinced 
no doubt I am no fool. [Up c.) 

{Enter Emma and Edith h. l. Lightning and thufider.) 

Emma. Mr O'Grady was right. This is going to be 
a fearful night. 

Chick {outside). You bet, Larry, I'll get a ride on 
that horse ! 

Oak (looks). As I live, here comes the sister I Now, 
my scheming friend, I'll humiliate you, by proving that 
you lied to me. (Enter CniCK l. v. e., runs into Oak c.) 
What the devil ! {Brushes off his artn ; cross to R. 
corner.) 

Chick. I guess I bumped the devil. Oh I look at 



MYRTLE FERNS. 43 

all the nice folks. {Sees Edith.) Oh — don't she look 
scrumcious. (Edith turns away l.) 

Oak. She turns away, dare not look her in the face . 

Emma. What a strange child ! Do you know her ? 

Oak. She is the young Miss Worth. 

Emma. Indeed ? And very pretty. 

Oak. And very sensitive. You must not neglect 
introducing her to Miss Summers. {Cross to c.) Allow 
me to do the gallant, Miss Summers. Permit me to 
present to you — —Miss Worth. (Edith y«,r<?jr Chick.) 

Chick. Miss Summers. How do you do ? 

Oak {starts). Why don't you kiss your sister ? 

Chick. Oh you git out, she ain't no sister of mine. 
My sister is at home. 

Oak {takes her hand). Are you sure ? — look again 1 

Chick. You let go of my arm, or I'll slap your face. 
(Oak lets go.) I guess I know my sister when I see her 
(Oak cross to r.. Chick tip c.) 

Emma. Are you satisfied ? 
{Enter Larry running — Mr Myrtle h. l., Larry c. — 
Mr Myrtle crosses to R.) 

Larry. Oh, Miss, I have bad news for you. Master 
Robert is in danger. Some one has aroused the people 
in the neighborhood, and there's apian on foot to drag 
him from jail and hang him. 

Emma. Oh, Larry, what's to be done ? 

Larry. There is but one thing, Miss. If we could 
reach that jail 1 know how to get him out. But there 
is only one way to get there on time, and that's across 
the bay. \Exit Chick, 70J10 has listened r. u. e. 

Oak. Which would be certain death. No boat 
could live out there — ten minutes from now. 

Larry. If I knew anything about a boat, I'd risk 
it ! {Cross to L. corner.) 

Emma. Mr. Oak, you do 1 You said you were an 
expert. 

Oak. It would be useless 1 

Emma. Then there is no hope I 

{Enter, rumnng, O'Grady, l. u. e., to c.) 



4Jt MYRTLE FERNS. 

O'Grady. Yes, there is, Miss — I will go. {Thtmder 
and lightning.) 

Emma. Mr. O'Grady — my brother ? 

O'Grady. Shall be saved, or I will liever return. 
(^Lightning.) 

Oak. You are a fool, it is certain death. 

O'Grady. The chances are I will never reach there. 

Emma. Then you must — you shall not go. [Thiai- 
der a fid lightning. ) 

O'Grady. Be calm, remember it is your brother's 
life I go to save. 

Emma. Should you never return, I would think I 
were the cause, of your death. 

O'Grady {takes her in his arms). Now think this. 
That for your sake I was willing to risk my life. 
{Runs np c. Light?iing.) 

Oak. Stop 1 You are — 

O'Grady {turns c). Not afraid to get wet. 
Who is the coward now ! {Thunder and lightning.) 

QUICK CURTAIN. 



ACT IV. 

Discovered, — Dan., r. c, seated on stool. Enter at rise 
Morgan, a hunchback, d. /// f. d.) 

Dan. Something is going to happen, that's the first 
time I ever saw you smile. 

Morgan {lays rope c). Good cause — good cause 
there is going to be a death and no common one. 
(^Kneels working at rope c.) 

Dan. What are you splicing that rope for ? The 
one on the scaffold will do. 

Morgan. That's for the condemned, this one has re- 
ceived no sentence, nor never will. He will never see 
the light of another day ; 

Dan. How's that ? 

Morgan. He's to be lynched ! Bah ! you know 
the job as well as I do. 



MYRTLE FERNS. 45 

Dan. Why do you hate this young man so ? 

Morgan. Three years ago I had work to do in his 
neighborhood. To save time, I crossed the Myrtle 
Farm, it being three miles nearer. On my way I met 
their private carriage, the horses took fright, and at 
the risk of my own life prevented a runaway. Did I 
receive their thanks ? no, instead, they cursed me ! 
Said it was my ugly shape that frightened the horses. I 
was about to reply, when I was struck — do you hear, 
they struck me with a whip, a generous reward for an 
act of kindness. Then the aristocrats dashed by, and 
the poor deformed hunchback was hurled to the ground. 

Dan. And you see a chance to get even. Eh ? 

Morgan. I have never forgiven that blow and I 
never will ! Who is the man we're doing this for ? 

Dan. If you get your money — you're satisfied ! 
Ain't you ? 

Morgan. Satisfied? I'm more than satisfied. I'll 
get a chance to repay the blow. 

Dan {cross to i..). Easy, he's coming thi.s way. I'll 
go, for if he sees us together, he might suspect. 

[ Exit D. L. 

Morgan. Suspect 1 He shall know, for I'll torture 
his heart out ; that is, if I can. 

{Enter Robert handcuffed, d. r.) 

RoBT. You seem to be busy ? , 

Morgan. Do I ? 

RoBT. What are you going to do with that rope ? 

Morgan. Pay you back for the blow you gave me 1 

RoBT. The blow I gave you ? I never saw you be- 
fore I came here. 

Morgan. It was some of your kin that struck me 
with a whip ! The mark is gone but the sting still re- 
mains. 

RoBT. I am not responsible for what others do. 
I would never strike a poor deformed being. 

Morgan. I'm as good as you or any belonging to 
you I 

RoBT. Perhaps ! 



46 MYRTLE FERNS. 

Morgan. You think that fine clothes makes the 
man. 

RoBT. No — no matter how poor he may be, if up- 
right and just, in my estimation he is a true man. 

Morgan. P'ine principles for a criminal 1 

RoBT. Criminal ? 

Morgan. Aye, criminal I Do they handcuff and 
imprison people for nothing ? 

RoBT. Yes ! at least as far as I am concerned. By 
whose orders am I kept in these irons ? 

Morgan. Mine ! 

RoBT. You have no right- 



MoRGAN. I am the jailer and head man here and I 
have a right to do anything I like — (Touches knife.) do 
you understand ? Anything. 

RoBT. It is evident you dislike me. 

Morgan. Dislike — I hate you — I despise every 
one that has a drop of your blood in their veins, or 
bears the name of Myrtle. 

RoBT. If you had your way 

Morgan. No one here dares dispute my word ! If 
I say you never leave this place you never will. The 
entrance is guarded night and day. Escape from your 
window, though there were no iron bars, would be im- 
possible. For you would be dashed to pieces on the 
rocks below. 

RoBT. Is that all ? 

Morgan. Is that all ? No it won't do, your face is 
the telltale. Though your words are in jest, your heart 
is bursting with fear. 

RoBT. You poor miserable devil, I pity you. 

Morgan {in afiger draws knife). You pity me ! — I 

RoBT. Well 1 why don't you ? I've turned the 
tables. The telltale is on your face. (Morgan turns 
from him.) That's right, turn your back. I'd rather 
see it than your ugly face. 

Morgan. You pity me ! Keep the sympathy for 
yourself — you will need it before I am through. I 
swear, you shall never see the light of another day 1 



MYRTLE FERNS. 4,7 

RoBT. I prefer most anything, than to be obliged 
to look upon that ugly form of yours. 

Morgan. You are trying to make believe that you 
don't fear me, but you do. See that rope ? I am going 
to tie you hand and foot. I'll lower you from that 
window until your head touches the water. You shall 
die inch by inch. 

RoBT. Why don't you make it foot by foot. It 
won't take so long and will give you more time to 
escape. 

Morgan. Escape what ? 

RoBT. Don't you suppose I have friends that will 
hold you responsible for my death ? 

Morgan. They will never know who put you out 
of the way. It has all been arranged. It will be re- 
ported, the jail was broken in — that you were taken 
out and hanged. Your body will be found swinging 
from a tree, where I shall tie it. After I have made 
sure work of you here. (S//07C's knife^ 

RoBT. What a brave man you are ! 

Morgan. You killed an old man ! How brave 
you were- 



RoBT. {lip to Morgan, raises hands). You lie, I am 
innocent, and you know it. Release at least one of my 
hands, and I'll make that crooked body of yours writhe 
in the dust at my feet, begging for mercy. 

Morgan. Go on — go on, oh ! — how I love to hear 
you — I love to hear you spit out the words that are 
eating at your heart. I'll be kind now and leave you 
to prepare for the other world. {Points down) I'm a 
good kind soul, and I always like to do good when I 
can. When I return, it will be you that will fall in the 
dust at my feet — begging for mercy — ha — ha — for 
mercy. \_Exit, d. l. 

RoBT. Is it possible this fiend has the power to 
execute this horrible plan ? {Knocking quietly on tuali) 
What was that ? I thought I heard a sound on the wall. 
No, it's only the storm. Will I see the light of another 
day? Am I forsaken, have I no friends? {Wall 
breaks away, Chick appears) 



48 MYRTLE FERNS. 

Chick, You bet you have — one. 

ROBT. Chick ? 

Chick. Now, don't ask questions, but pull me 
through this wall. (Robt. helps) 

RoBT. How came you here .-' How did you cross 
the bay ? 

Chick. I didn't cross the bay, I rode all the way 
on your horse, Gray Eagle, and in less than two hours. 

RoBT. Is the horse alive ? 

Chick. It don't matter as long as I save you. I 
heard of the plot to lynch 3'ou, and it was the only way 
to help— and save my poor sister. 

Robt. Edith ! Nothing has happened to her? 

Chick. No — but there would, if anything happened 
to you. 

Robt. Bless you, Chick — bless you. 

Chick. That will do. Don't get so confectionary. 

Robt. {sitsvi.). I will try and remember. You had 
better go, my jailer is not a pleasant companion. 

Chick. What do you suppose I rode thirty miles 
for ? Just to see you? If I don't get you out of this 
to-night, you will be dead in the morning. Once on the 
outside, you can walk along until you reach the main 
entrance. Jump down, and you are safe. 

Robt. The main entrance is guarded 

Chick. I guess I know, I just come from there. 

Robt. You don't think I killed your father ? 

Chick. No, I know you didn't. 

Robt. You know who did ? 

Cmck. No — but I suspect. 

Robt. Who ? 

Chick. Never mind. 

Morgan {outside). All right, Dan — all right. 

Chick. Oh, look at that face ! Whose room is 
this ? 

Robt. Mine. In quick ! (Robert sits r.) 

\^Exit Chick room r. 

{^Entc}- Dan with di/i/ier pail D. l,., cross, lays it at 
KoBi'sya'A) 



MYRTLE FERNS. ^9 

Dan. Say ! dar's your grub, you can eat it or leave 
it — just as you like. {^Exit. 

{Enter Chick d. r.) 

Chick. Oh ! but he's pleasant. Won't he swear 
when he finds you gone .'' 

RoBT. I am not free. 

Chick {holds up file). No, but you soon will be. 

RoBT. A file ? 

Chick. Yes, and now, mister, let us get to work. 
{Sits near RoBT.,yf/^j- handcuffs) 

RoBT. Where is Edith ? 

Chick. At your father's house, she's known as Miss 
Summers. Oh, she looks scrumcious. I didn't hardly 
know her, in fact, I didn't dare to. 

RoBT. Why ? 

Chick. You see, Larry asked me if I could lie. 
For once I told the truth and said I could. So when 
Mr. Oak took me to her 

RoBT. Oak ? Did he take you to your sister after 
she had been presented to him as Miss Summers? 
{Removes one handcuff) 

Chick. Yes — and told her to her face she was Miss 
Worth. Say, suppose you take this and work a little. 
You're the laziest man I ever saw. 

RoBT. I couldn't work before. 

Chick. Well, you can now, so go on. (Bob works 
filing) I was going to slap Mr. Oak — but he gave me 
such a look, I could hardly stand up. 

RoBT. And his companion, what of him ? 

Chick. You mean your sister's beau 

RoBT. What are you talking about, why, he is 

Chick. Your best friend — Larry says so. And he 
knows everything. 

RoBT. Why do you think so well of CGrady ? 

Chick. Mr. Oak was going to s.trike me. He 
wouldn't let him. When I met O'Grady again, there 
were tears in his eyes. Brave men sometimes cry. 
And tears are the sign of a good, pure heart. 



50 MYRTLE FERNS. 

RoBT. The truest words you ever spoke. I'll settle 
with this Oak when I return. 

Chick. No, you must keep in the dark or they will 
drag you back. 

RoBT. {drops handcuffs). The last. Now, where 
shall I find the horse ? 

Chick. Tied to a tree, just off the road. 

RoBT. What's to become of you ? 

Chick. Never mind me, I'll get back all right. 

RoBT. I'll leave this place only on one condition. 

Chick. What's that ? 

RoBT. That you ride back on the horse, and let me 
get back the best I can. 

Chick. I can reach there before morning. Then 
I can have Larry drive out to meet you. 

RoBT. Chick 1 you are a bright little girl. {Opens 
arms, she runs under them) 

Chick. Oh — I know lots. Say, can you use this ? 
{Hands revolver) You may need it. 

RoBT. I hope not. {Laugh outside) Quick, hide, 
they are returning. Don't be alarmed, for they will 
have to pass over my dead body, before harm shall 
come to you. 

Chick {shows revolver) Never mind me, I'm alright. 

\^ExilT>. R. 

{Enter Dan and Morgan d. l. Dan crosses to R. 
Morgan dozvn l. c. Robt lays on cot c.) 

Morgan. See if he's asleep. 

Dan. It don't matter. Get a rope to tie his hands 
and feet. That one will do to lower him out of the 
window. {To Robt.) So you are awake. Eh? 

Robt {sits up). What do you want ? 

Dan. I'll tell yer, I'm going to give you a bath, it's 
the rules of this institution, that all the prisoners per- 
take of that luxury. 

Robt. From your appearance, I should judge it 
was a luxury that you seldom indulge in, 

Dan. Well ! Thi^ is going to be your last, for in 
five minutes you will be a corpse. 



MYRTLE FERNS. 51 

RoBT. Don't be too sure 1 

Dan. Well, I am sure, {Takes hold ^ROBT. who 
throws him r. c.) 

RoBT. Well, my friend, you are mistaken. 
{As he tJirows Dan r., Morgan rises and draws hiife. 

(Chick e?iters d. r. up c. — As Morgan rises to strike 
Bob tvith knife Chick catches his hand and sinks 
knife into Morgan who drops c. Dan at actio?t 
gets axe in r. e. — raises it to strike when Bob holds 
him at bay, with Chick in his artns.) 

CURTAIN. 



ACT. V. 

Discovered, r. c, Mr Myrtle and 'Editk. 

Mr. Myrtle. I am surprised ! And the young 
scoundrel ? 

Edith. Loved me better than his life. We were so 
happy, but our happiness didn't last long. We were 
oblige to separate. 

Mr Myrtle, Separate ? But you said the young 
man loved you. 

Edith. Loved me 1 Oh, sir, the sound of his voice 
was music, the sight of his face like a bright ray of sun- 
shine. I watched for his coming with as much eager- 
ness as the ship-wrecked sailor at sea, watches for a 
sight of land. But there was a barrier ! 

Myrtle. Eh ? A barrier ? 

Edith. A stern parent, a father who could overlook 
any fault but poverty. He knew how we loved, the son 
pleaded in vain — though he sacrificed both our lives. 
His will must be done. {Cross to L. c.) 

Mr. Myrtle {up c). Come with me to the library. 
An upstart 1 Refused to let his son marry you, eh ? 
What did he want for him ? A Queen ? I want to see 
him, I will see him ! And when I do I'll punch the old 
fool's head. \^Exit c. d. l. 



52 MYRTLE FERNS. 

{Enter Emma d. r.) 

Edith. What will he say when he learns of this de- 
ception ? 

Emma. He has learnt to love you, and will acknowl- 
edge his error. {Sits r.) 

Edith {sits l.), Any news ? Have they heard of 
Mr O 'Grady ? 

Emma. I — I believe not. 

Edith. Do you remember his last words ? 

Emma. I shall never forget them. It was selfish — 
cruel to permit him to go. And yet my brother would 
have been murdered. Is it not terrible ? 

{Enter Oak, c. d. l.) 

Edith. Let us be thankful no lives were lost. 

Oak (d. r. corner). Permit me to re-echo that senti- 
ment from the bottom of my heart. 

Emma {rises). You have seen — you know they have 
returned ? 

Oak. I have not seen, but heard they have arrived. 

Emma. Will you grant me a favor ? 

Oak. In your service I would lay down my life, and 
you know it. 

Emma. My brother just escaped from jail. It is 
absolutely necessary that fact remain silent. With the 
exception of Larry, Mr O'Grady, the rest are ignorant. 

Oak. Except young Miss Worth. 

Emma. Oh, no. 

Oak. Pardon me. She was at the jail last night. 

Emma. How do you know that ? 

Oak {confused). I — a — I — dox\\ know it 

Emma. You spoke the truth when you said you had 
not seen any of the returned part3^ Now, how do you 
know that Miss Worth was at the jail ? You were not 
there, for you are too big a coward to risk that precious 
life of yours in such a storm. You received your in- 
formation from those who failed to murder my brother. 
In which case you are in league with them. 

Oak. Do you know what you are talking about ? 



MYRTLE FERNS. 53 



Emma. Perfectly ! 

Oak. Allow me to explain. 

Emma. Silence. Remember I am- 



Oak. My affianced wife. I will not forget it. 

Emma {sanasni). Your affianced wife? Have I 
ever encouraged, ever said I would marry you? 

Oak. Your father has. 

Edith (rises). Will you excuse me ? 

Emma. To oblige me, please remain. (Edith sifs) 
As to marriage with me, you may think it a matter of 
compulsion. If so you are entirely mistaken. I will 
never be more to you — than I am now. 

Oak. Let us defer the subject. When I entered 
the room you requested a favor. What do you wish 
me to do ? 

Emma. Be kind enough to allow us to remain alone. 

Oak (i>07as). Certainly, if you wish. {Up is., c.) 
{Enter Larry c. d. l., i-emains c. at back.) 

Emma. Larry! Faithful friend. My brother ? 

Larry. Here — safe and sound. 

Edith. I am thankful ! 

Emma. And Mr O 'Grady ! (Larry turns L.) Yot!i 
turn from me. Did he not return ? 

Larry. No. 

Emma. No. (Sinks in chair, R.) 

Oak. She loves him, I thought so ! 

Edith (rise). You, sir, have not complied with tha 
ladies' request. (Oak bows and exit q. v>. i,.) Larry, 
relate particulars, from departure until arrival. 

Larry. With luck, it was nothing else, we reached 
the jail just in time to receive Master Robert in the 
boat, some one had cut a hole in the wall, and we found 
him creeping through. On our way back the boat 
struck a rock, the tiller slipped from the rudder and 
was carried av/ay. Mr. O'Grady — Heaven bless him, 
— saw the danger, and knew unless he had control of 
the boat we would be lost. 

Edith. And then ? 

Larry. Oh I such a sight ! As the lightning played 



54 MYRTLE FERNS. 

around the boat, we saw a sight never to be forgotten. 
O'Grady had substituted his arm for the tiller, and 
every wave that struck the boat caused his Hfe's blood 
to flow from his wounds. Oh 1 how my heart ached 
for him, for his arm was black to the shoulder. At 
last I picked up a piece of driftwood and shouted with 
joy, then I hastened to relieve him. But his hand had 
swollen so he could not pull it through. 

Emma. Horrible — horrible ! But he is alive ? You 
brought him ashore ? 

Larry. Heaven forgive me, Miss, we did not. The 
boat was fast sinking, I stood watching O'Grady's face, 
not a muscle moved, though he must have suffered a 
thousand deaths. He said : The storm is nearly over, 
the boat is fast filling, and one must leave it. Before I 
could speak, Master Robert said. Let it be me. And 
then. Oh 1 God — I saw O'Grady wrench his arm from 
the rudder. He was that weak, he could hardly stand. 
Taking the piece of driftwood he placed it, then he 
said — Larry, keep the boat straight ahead, if I never 
reach the land, tell Miss Myrtle (Emma rises slowly 
up c.) with my last breath, I blessed her. {Exit 
Emma, c. d. l.) And before we could stop him, he 
jumped over — sank from sight, and we saw him no 
more. {Cross to R.) 

Edith {up c). Are you sure he did not land ? 

Larry. I've been since daylight looking for him. 

Edith. I'll join Miss Myrtle. She may be ill. 

\^Exit, c. D. L. 

Larry {up to l. c). Why are all the good taken 
from this world and the bad left in it ? 

{Enter Chick handso7neIy dressed, c. d. r.) 

Chick. Oh, gee 1 Larry, I'm all dressed up. 

Larry. Where did you get all the fine clothes ? 

Chick. Well, I like that 1 Miss Emma gave them 
to me. How did you get back ? Oh I wasn't it a 
terrible night ? 

Larry. How did you know I had been away? 

Chick. Didn't I see you ? Didn't you see me? 



MYRTLE FERNS. 55 

Larry. See you ? Where ? 

Chick. At the jail, of course. 

Larry. What ? You at the jail ? 

Chick. If I hadn't been, Mr. Robert wouldn't be 
here now- 

Larry. What are yoxi talking about ? Faith, I saw 
you last night at dusk, and I'll swear you didn't go in 
the boat with us. 

Chick. No ! I went by the road. 

Larry. By the road ? How ? 

Chick. On Mr. Myrtle's race-horse. Gray Eagle. 

Larry. You did ? That accounts for the hole in 
the wall ! 

Chick. Yep 1 I cut it. 

Larry. You little rogue, I'd like to pick you up in 
my two arms and kiss you. 

Chick. Of course you would, I'm dressed up now. 
You wouldn't have kissed me last night when I was in 
rags? 

Larry. I'd kiss you if you didn't have a rag on 
your back. 

Chick {turns aivay). Oh 1 Larry, I am ashamed — 
of you. 

Larry. Here, I want no airs from you. I wish 
you were Irish. 

Chick. Why ? 

Larry. So I could fall in love, and ask you to 
marry me. {Puts arms around her) 

Chick. Here, keep your hands off. Oh, gee ! I 
wish I had my old clothes on, these feel awful funny. 
Say, Larry, you aught to have seen us when we got 
home. We were wet through. 

Larry. Us — who do you mean ? 

Chick. Why — Mr. O'Grady and myself. 

Larry. O'Grady I Did you say O'Grady ? Is he 
here — is he alive ? 

Chick. You bet he is 1 

Larry. Good — good for you. {Wipes eyes with 
hafidkerchief, sits at table, R.) Now, tell me how you 
saved O'Grady ? 



5G MYRTLE FERNS. 

Chick. Well, you see, I jumped on Gray Eagle, and 
kept the road till I came to the Bay. I was just turn- 
ing the bend when I heard splashing in the water. I 
stopped to listen, it was so dark 1 couldn't see. I was 
about to go on when I heard a groan. I knew some 
one was suffering, I couldn't swim, but knew the horse 
could, so I turned his head toward the water, but he 
wouldn't budge an inch. 

Larry. Oh ! If I had been on his back! 

Chick. I had no whip. 

Larry. Well ? 

Chick. But a great big shawl pin. I stuck it in his 
side, way to the head. 

Larry. Hurroo! 

Chick. With a bound he plunged into the water. 
A flash of lightning revealed Mr. O'Grady struggling 
in the sea, half dead. Well, I managed to get him 
across the saddle — held him till I rode into the barn — 
dropped on a pile of hay — dressed up his arm — got 
him a warm breakfast, and now he is doing nicely. 

Larry {rise to c). Come here tome. {QniQv^ backs 
up to him, he kisses her.) You're an angel. 

{Enter Oak, remains c. d. l. Chick /// c.) 

Chick. That's the result of having on good clothes. 
{Blimps Oak. Exit d. l. Larry does safnc business, 
start L.) 

Oak. Too late, sir. You need not turn away. I saw 
the tears. {Sit R.) 

Larry (c). I am not ashamed of them. They are 
honest ones and will do me good. 

Oak. You, had a risky time of it last night, my lad ? 

Larry. Yes, sir, we did. 

Oak. I am sorry I did not accompany you. 

Larry. And so am L 

Oak. Indeed — and why ? 

Larry. So I could have pitched you into the Bay ! 

Oak. That would have been murder ! 

Larry {back of Oak). No — it would have been 
justice ! 



MYRTLE FERNS. 57 

Oak i^iumps tip). What do 3'Ou mean ? 

I>ARRY. If there is no crime on your soul — why do 
you start at the word justice ? {Enter Chick c. d. l. 
with letter.) Mr. Oak, the net is woven, soon it will be 
cast, and the guilty one that has caused this good family 
so much suffering, will be held responsible. ( Cross to 
L. c.) 

Chick. Oh, Larry, here is a letter for Mr. O'Grady. 
(d. c. Larry up c. turns.) 

Oak [aside). O'Grady ! it must never fall into his 
hands. Hand me the letter and I will deliver it to him. 
{Reaches for it — Larry takes it.) 

Larry. I am not so sure of that 1 I've been re- 
engaged and it's part of my duty to deliver all mail in 
person. {Up c.) 

Oak {cross to r.) I have no desire to interfere with 
your duties. Who is this.? another Miss Summers? 

Chick. No, sir, this is the lady you stole the hand- 
kerchief from. But I've got it back, and I am going 
to keep it until the proper time comes to deliver it up. 
(Larry andilHiCK. pantomime as if drawing in net.) The 
net is being drawn in, and soon we will land our fish 
safe ashore. \^Exit with Larry d. l. 

Oak. O'Grady has returned and must stand by me. 
She don't respect me. Eh ? {Ritig bell.) We shall see. 
{Enter Larry d. l. cross to c.) Inform Miss Myrtle I 
desire to see her. 

Larry. I don't think she wants to see you. 

Oak. My object is to prevent more trouble. 

Larry. I'll go at once. \_Exit c. d. l. 

Oak. Confound that Irishman, I wish he were at 
the bottom of the Bay. {Enter Emma c. d. l., doton 
R. c. Oak up c.) Will you sit down ? 

Emma. No. 

Oak. As you please. I presume you are anxious 
to know why I sent for you. It was to give you an 
opportunity to retract your last words. You were angry 
then. 

Emma. You insult me, sir 1 



58 MYRTLE FERNS. 

Oak. No! It is I who have been insulted. I spoke 
the truth. Your father did promise you to me. 

Emma. Is it for this you sent for me ? 

Oak. No, for you to recall your words. 

Emma. You wish me to apologize to you ? 

Oak. Only to admit, you have wronged me. 
. Emma. If I refuse ? 

Oak. I shall force you. (YjUUK starts up CyOxv. pre- 
vents her.) Stop 1 

Emma. Let me pass ! 

Oak. Not till you hear me through. You shall re- 
spect me — you will obey your father's wish and become 
my wife. Or your brother meets the death he deserves. 

Emma. He deserves ? 

Oak. Yes, for I saw him kill Mr. Worth, and can 
produce a witness w-ho was with me at the time. It 
remains with you {Cross to L. c. Emma /// c.) whether 
he lives or dies. Do you consent ? 

Emma. No. 

Oak. But your brother .'' 

Emma. If guilty deserves the punishment. {Cross 
to table R., ring. Enter Larry c. d. i..) Larry, see that 
Mr. Oak's trunks are set outside the fence. He is 
about to leave. 

Larry {to Oak). Say — I discharge you. 

Oak. You resort to very elegant methods to turn 
me from the house. {Up d. l.,) I will give you one hour 
to recall your words. \^Exit D. L. 

Larry. Let me hit him just once. 

Emma. He is not worth it. (Cross to L. f.) Did you 
deliver my message ? 

Larry. He's waiting outside. Shall I call him ? 

Emma. Yes. 

Larry {up c. looks r.). O'Grady ! Oh, Mr. O'Grady, 
this way if you please. \^Exit c. D. L. 

(Enter 0'GkxT)\, c. t>. r., hand tied up with handkerchief.) 

O'Grady {up to Emma). I know all — I — I can't 
thank you 



MYRTLE FERNS, 59 

Oak {outside). Let the trunks remain where they 
are I 

O Grady {starts). The cloud is still hanging over 
my head. 

Emma. For my sake. 

O 'Grady. Go quick {Takes her up c). I will be 
only too happy too join you. {Exit Emma c. d. l.,) 
What happiness — what joy. 

{Enter Oak d. l.) 

Oak. One moment. I want to see you for the last 
time. 

O'Grady. Well ? 

Oak. You and I part forever that is, if you wish. 

O'Grady. And the document ? 

Oak. Shall be yours five minutes after you do as I 
say. To-night he will be taken back to jail, no doubt 
will declare his innocence. Consider well before you 
answer. You will be a free man and I will never mo- 
lest you again, if you swear you saw the blow struck 
that killed old man Worth 1 

O'Grady (looks at him fiercely). You want me to 
swear — I saw the blow struck that killed that old man ? 

Oak. How strange you look, do you refuse ? 

O'Grady. No I 

Oak. You accept ? 

O'Grady. Yes ! 

Oak. Swear it 1 

O'Grady. I swear it 1 

Oak. Good, give me your hand. 

O'Grady. That is not necessary, I have given you 
my word. {Up c.) 

Oak. As you please, we had better remain friends. 

O'Grady. We — never were friends. 

Oak. You have sworn — you will keep your oath ? 

O'Grady. I have given you my word — and that I 
never break. \^Exit c. D. L. 

Oak {cross to r.). And my word shall be kept with 
her, though my last scheme failed. I'll take care this 
time he never leaves that jail. \_Exit d. r. 



00* MYRTLE FERNS. 

{E/iter c. D. L. Larry — Mr Myrtle wifh Edith and 
Bob on arm — Emma and Chick. Mr Myrtle l. 
c. Bob down l. corner — Edith next to Bob — Emma 
r. also Chick. I^arry c. — Larry speaks as he 
enters.') 

Larry. Oh, did you hear the news? that letter for 
O'Grady was from some plantation South, that he de- 
serted years ago. He left it in the care of an old 
Yankee who improved, and now it's worth ^200,000, 
and he wants Mr. O'Grady to sell for the same. 
Hurroo, Mr O'Grad}' is a real Irish gentleman ! 

Chick. Hurroo ! Let us hang him. {Rmis up c. 
Larry after her.) 

Larry. You're too little to have so much to say. 

Emma. Larry. ( Cross to R. c, Chick looks of^ r. c. d.) 

Chick. Here comes Mr. Oak and Mr. O'Grady. 
Oh, gee 1 don't he look nice ? 

RoBT. {in anger). That man Oak 

Mr Myrtle. Remember your promise. 

RoBT. But, Dad 

Edith. You will do just as your father says. Not 
another word 1 

Chick. Oh, mister, I pity you. {Cross to Emma r.) 

{E?Uer Oak afid O'Grady c. d. r.) 

Oak. Quite a family gathering. {C?'oss to r.) I 
trust my presence is no intrusion. 

Mr Myrtle. Before we answer, you must exoner- 
ate yourself. If I am rightly informed, you are the 
instigator of all this trouble. I am surprised, sir ! I 
thought you a different person. 

Oak. If a man commits a crime, let him paj'- the 
penalty. 

O'Grady. Remember he is an old man. 

{Enter Sheriff c. d. l,) 
Oak. Remain outside until I call. [Exit c. d. r. 

Sheriff {holds np luindaiffs). Will you allow me, sir. 
RoBT. Heaven help me, if I go back to that jail, I 
will never leave it alive. 



MYRTLE FERNS. 61 

Mr Myrtle {fo sheriff). Kis trial takes place to- 
morrow. Remain here to-night, I will pay you any sum. 

Oak. He dare not! It is his duty to take the es- 
caped prisoner back to jail. Sheriff, do your duty. 

RoBT. How dare you command ! {Oavl iufns away 
R.) Look me in the face. You cannot, for guilt is 
stamped on yours ! Friends, there stands the man that 
killed Mr. Worth ! 

{Enter O "Grady c. d. r. down c.) 

Oak {loud). He lies ! Tis false ! 

O'Grady. No ! He speaks the truth, I swear it! 
I saw you strike the blow ! I have kept my word with 
you — keep yours and give me that document. 

Oak. No — we swing together ! (O'Grady cross to 

L. C.) 

Chick. Not much. 

Oak. What do you mean ? 

Chick. That I stole the paper out of your pocket 
and gave it to Larry. 

Larry. And I burned it a week ago. 

RoBT. Mr. Sheriff — your duty. {Points to Oak.) 
O'Grady, you are a man of honor. Twice you have 
saved my life, let m.e repay the debt, by giving you my 
sister. (Emma crosses to O'Grady l. c. Chick and 
Larry in ptDitomitne as if draivingin nets — at third ti}ne.) 

Oak. What the devil are you doing? 

Chick. Pulling in the net. (Chick up l. c.) 

Larry. And we have landed our fish at last. (Oak 
crosses to c, Larry reinains ou l. o/Oaml, as Oak goes up 
c. — O'Grady and Emma cross to R. c. in front.) 

Oak. O'Grady, I wish you much joy. {To Robert.) 
You, sir, had a close call. Miss Myrtle, your obedient. 
Miss Summers, {laughs) Miss Summers ! I regret I 
cannot remain for the \vedding. (Bows to Edith) 

Larry {slaps him on back). Well, we're not. (Chick 
slaps hifH on back — as he turns the Sheriff taps hijn 
and points c. D. R. Oak bows and Exit with Sheriff c. 
D. R. Oak leads Emma c.) 



62 MYRTLE FERNS. 

Mr. Myrtle. Mr. O'Grady, we owe much to you. 

O 'Grady {takes Emma iti his arms). I have been 

well repaid, and will endeavor to guard well my trust. 

CURTAIN. 

O'Grady and Emma. 
Robert and Edith. Larry and Chick, 

Mr Myrtle. 



JtJST PUBLISHED 

AT YALE 

A Comedy Drama of College Life in Three Acta 

By OWEN DAVIS 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Dick Sheelet Yale '05. 

Mr. Clayton Randal Of New York. 

Jack Randal His son, Yale '05. 

Dave Burly Substitute on Yale Crew. 

Jim Tucker Captain of Yale Crew. 

JiMSEY A Telegraph Messenger Boy. 

Clancy A Prize-fighter. 

John Kennedy Coach Yale Crew. 

Frank Young Member of Yale Crew. 

Ed. Scott Friend of Dick and Member of Yala 

Crew. 

Tom Haynes Member of Yale Crew. 

Robert Crosby Member of Yale Crew. 

Jepson Boatman. 

Pol 

Harry Wilson 

Will Taylor 

Mrs. Randal Jack's Mother. 

Dorothy Randal Her daughter. 

Polly Burk A friend of Dorothy. 

Mame Brady A poor girl. 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 
ACT I.— Vanderbilt Hall, New Haven. 

ACT II. — Scene 1. — A Boat House, Gales Ferry. 

Scene 2. — The Start. Gales Ferry Quarters. 
Scene 3. — The Race. Thames River. 

ACT III. — Exterior of Griswold Hotel, Eastern Point. New Lon* 
don. The night of the race. 

A Comedy Drama of American College Life In Three Acts, by Owen Davis. 
This piece was played with tremendous success all over the United States by 
Paul GUmore. Sixteen males, four females, four of the men being' unimportant. 
This Is a play with a distinct college setting, in which athletics are prominent: 
Just the Islnd of play that is wanted by nearly every high school and college con- 
templating putting on a play as part of their commencement exercises. There 
are pretty college girls, freshmen, a telegraph messenger boy. coaches, typical 
college boys, members of the crew, substitutes, etc. Any number of males and 
females can be used In the ensembles. Plays a fuU evening. 

PRICE. 25 CENTS 



5l'l 



JnST PUBLISHED 



What Happened to Jones 

An Original Farce in Three Acts 
By GEORGE H. BROADHURST 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

JONES, wlio travels for a Jiymn-hook house 

EBENEZER GOODLY, aprofessor of anatomy 

ANTONY GOODLY, D.D., Bishop of Ballarat 

RICHARD HEATHERLY, engaged to Marjmie 

THOMAS HOLDER, a policeman 

WILLIAM BIGBEE, an inmate of the Sanitarium 

HENRY FULLER, superintendent of the Sanitarium, 

MRS. GOODLY, Ebenezer's wife 

CISSY, Ebenezefs ward 

MARJORIE, ) 

MINERVA ) -^^^^^^'* daughters 

ALVINA STARLIGHT, Mr. Qoodly's sister 
HELMA, a servant 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

ACT 1. — Handsomely furnished room in home of 

Ebenezer Goodly. 
ACT 2.— The same. 
ACT 3.— The same. 

This is the jolliest sort of a farce, clean and sparkling all the way 
through. A professor of anatomy is lured to a prize fight and the 
police make a raid on the "mill." The professor escapes to his 
home, followed by Jones, a traveling salesman, who sells hymn 
hooks when he can and playing cards when he cannot. The police 
are on the trail, so Jones disguises himself by putting on a Bishop's 
garb, and a lot of funny complications ensue. The other funmakers 
are aided not a little by an escaped lunatic. This celebrated farce 
has been a tremendous success for years on the professional stage and 
is now published for the first time. 

PRICE, 50 CENTS 



SAMUEL FRENCH, 24 West 22d Street, NEW YORK 



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VOL. XLI, 
8JI Th» Plr«te'i Legacy 
822 'I bo Ch«r.o«l Burner 
in AJelgitha 
324 bejior ValitnU 
fJi Foreit Rom 
S2« Duke't DtafhUr 
in Caaiilla'i Hutbanil 
lit Pure Hold 

VOL. XLU. 
3}) Ticket of Leave Man 
ISO Fool'i Revenge 
tai O'.Neil tbe Ureal 
382 flandy Andy 
883 Pirate of the Itlee 
834 I'anotaou 
386 Little Barefoot 
88« Wild IriihGlrl 

VOL. XLIIU 
837 Pearl of Saroy 
888 Dead (leart 
389 Tan Mrbti Id a Bar-room 

340 Dujiib Uoyof Manchester 

341 BolpheKoftbeMounteb'k 
341 Cricket on the Hearth 
343 Printer's Devil 

tit Meg'i Diveriion 



(Frentb's Standard Drama Continutd from ad pegt cfCovir.) 



VOL. XLIV. 

348 Drunkard's Docai 
346 Cbiuiney Corner 

m Fifteen Veartof a Drunk 
848 No Tborougbfare ( ard'j 

349 Peep O' Day L^ife 

350 Everybody's Friend 

361 Uen. Grant 

'ib'i Kathleen Maroumeea 

VOL. XLV. 
3S3 Nick Whiflfles 
364 Fruits of the Wine Cup 
3&& Drunkard's Warning 
856 Teuiperanc* Doctor 

357 Aunt Dinah 

358 Widow Freeheart 
369 Frou Frou 

36U Lonr Strike 

VOL. XLVI. 
381 Larceri 

362 Lu' Ule 

363 Raadall's Thumb 

364 Wicked World 

365 Two Orphans 

366 Colleen Bawn 
t Axe and Crown 

368 Lady Claiicarthy 



VOL. XLVU. 

369 Saratoga 

370 Never Too Late to Mend 

371 Lily of Franca 
;i72 Led Astray 

373 Henry V 

374 Unequal Match 
75 .Mny or Dolly'e Delusion 

^{76 Allatooua 

VOL. XLVIII. 

377 Knoch Arden 

378 Under the G.i« Light 

379 Daniel Rochat 

380 Caste 
.■?»1 Schuol 
382 Home 
S»3 David Garrlck 
884 Ours 

VOL. XLIX. 
385 Social Glass 
3S6 Daniel Druc« 
387 Two Roses 
38* Adrienne 
889 The Bells 
90 Uncle 
391 Courtship 
393 Not Such a Fool 



TOL. t. 
398 Fine Feathers 

394 Prompter's Box 

395 Iron Master 

396 Engaged 

»97 Fyguialion & Galatea 
398 Uah 
99 Scrap of P.tper 

400 Lost in London 
VOL. LI. 

401 Octoroon 

402 Confederate Spy 

403 Mariner's Return 
VA Ruined by Drink 

405 Dreamt 

406 M. P. 

407 War 
40« Birth 

VOL. LIL 
40t Nightingale 

410 Progress 

411 Play 

412 Midnight Charge 
*\i Conlldential Clerk 

414 Snowball 

415 Our Reglmeuv 

416 Married for Money 
in Three AcU 

Guttle A GulpU 



FRENCH'S INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHTED EDITION 
OF THE WORKS OF THE BEST AUTHORS. 

The following very tucceitful plays have just been issued at 25 cents per copy. 



A PAIR OF BPECTACLB^. Comedy In 8 Acts 
by Svp.vtv Gruudy, author of " Sowing the Wind," 
Ac. 8 male, 3 female characters. 

A FOOL'8 FARADI8B. An orlelnal play In 8 
Ads bv Sydn«v GKi>rY, author of "Sowing the 
Wind,'' Ac. 5 male, 4 female characters. 

THE SILVER SHIBLD. An orieinal comedy In 
3 .^ct> by Svr>MEV Gri'sdv, author 'if "Sowingthe 
W'ind," AC. 6 male, 3 female characters. 

THE GLASS OP FASHIOH. An original com- 
edy in 4 Acts by Syi'Mev Grundy, author of "Sowing 
the Wind," Acl 6 male, 6 female characters^ 



THE BALLOON. Farcical comedy In t Acts by J. 

H. Darki.iy and Ms>villi Finn. ( male, 4 female 

characters. 
MISS CLEOPATRA. 

Shirley. 7 male, 3 fenia 
SIX FXBSON8. Comedy Act by I. ZaHOWUL. 



1 male, 1 fe: 



ale ch< 



FASHIONABLE INTBLLIOBNOB. Comedi- 
etta in 1 Act by PkKcv Fknoall. 1 male, 1 female 
character. 

Hia-HLAND LEOACT. Comedy In 1 Act by 
Bbasdov Thom»s, nuihor of "Charley's Aunt." 
ft male, 2 female characters. 



Contents of Catalogue which is sent Free. 



Amateur Drama 

Amateur Operas 

Articles Needed bv Amatean 

Art of Si-ene Painting 

Baker's Reading Club 

Beards, Whiskers, Mustaches, etc. 

Bound Sets of I'lavs 

Bulwer Lytton's flayi 

Burlesque Dramas 

Burnt Cork 

Cabman's Story 

Carnival of Authors 

Charade Plavs 

Children's Plays 

Comic Dramas for Male Characters 

onlv 
Costume Books 
Crape Hair 
Cumberland Kdltlon 
Darkey Dramas 
Dramas for Bovs 
Drawing-room 'MonoTopies 
Elocution, Reciters and Speakers 
Ethiopian Dramas 



Evenlnir's Euterlainment 

Fairy and Home yiays 

French's Costumes 

French's Editions 

French's Italian Operas 

French's Parlor Comedies 

French's Standard and Minor Drama 

French's Standard and Minor Draum, 

bound 
French's Scenes for Amateurs 
Frobishir's J onuhir Recitals 
Grand Army Dramas 
Guide Booi<£ for Amntenra 
Guide to Selecting Plays 
Hints on Costmncs 
Home Phivs for Ladies 
Irish PlayJ 
Irvine's Plays 
,Tuvenile PlnVs 
Make-Up Hook 
M»ke-Up Box 
Mock Trial 

Mrs. .larley's Wax Works 
New Pl*y» 



New Recitation Books 

Nipaer Jokes and Stump Speeches 

Parlor Magic 

Parlor Pantomimes 

Pieces of Pleasantry 

Poems for Recitations 

Plays for Mi, Characters only 

Riuind Games 

Scenery 

Scriptural and Historical Dramas 

.Seusatiiiu Dramas 

Serio-Comic Dramas 

Shadow Pantomimes 

Shakespeare's Plays for Amateurs 

Shakespeare's Plays 

Stanley's Dwarfs 

Spin, bum 

Tahieatix Vivanti 

Talma Actor's Art 

Temperance Plays 

Vncai Music of Shakespeare's Plays 

Webster's .\cting Edition 

Wigb, etc. 



VOL. XLI. 

{ventures of 
t Child 
Cards 
1 Box 



(French's Minor Drama Coniinueii from 4th page of Cover.) 
VOL. XLTI. 
39» As Like as Two Peas 
330 Presumptive Evidence 
381 Happv Band 
,^32 Pinafore 



s Love 
[LetUr 



333 Mock Trial 

334 My Uncle's Will 

335 Happy ^a^r 
33i> My 'TiirB Next 



VOL. XLIIL 
337 Sunset 
S.'JS For Half a Million 

339 C hie Car 

340 Earlv Bird 

341 Aluinnil'lav 
.'i4-.> Show of Hands 
:<43 Barhnr". 

344 Who's Who 



VOL. XLIV. 
346 Who's To Win Him 

346 Which is Which 

347 Cup of Tea 
3H Sarah's Young Man 

349 Hearts 

350 lu Honor Bound [Law 
3.il Freeting a Mother-in- 
352 My Lord In Livery 



5AMUEL FRENCH, 26 West 22d St., New York City. 



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VOL. I. 
I Tkt Irlth Attornty 
1 BooU «t tli« Srrun 
X How to Paj tht Rtnt 
4 Tb« Lomi uf > I/orn 
i Tb« D«d Shot 
( His Laat <.•» 
7 Th« InrU.bU Prino* 
t Tba OoMtn Fumtr 

VOL. II. 
« rrtdt of lh> Markat 

10 UMd Up 

11 Th»Irlih Tutor 

It Th« Barrack Room 
II Lukt tht La'iorar 
U Btauty aud tht Bcasi 
U St. Pitrlck'i Ev« 
1( Captain of tb» Watch 

VOL. la. 
IT Tht Sturtt fp-- 

II WhIU Horit of tht Pep- 
IITht Jacobitt 
to Tht BottIt 
]| Box and Coz 
tl Bambooilinf 
II Widow'! Victla 
M Robtrt Macair* 

VOL. ir. 

» Stcrtt 9trTlo« 
it Omnibus 
97 Irttb Lion 
11 Maidof CroluT 
« The Old (Juard 

10 Raisiuic the Wln4 

11 SU'btr :tnd Cr.uhtr 

39 Naval Eiirwonenta 

VOL. V. 
II Cocknitt In Calllorula 

14 Who iipeakt KIrst 
ill Bombaittt Furioso 
It Macbtth Travtatit 

17 Irish Ambaasiidur 
.11 Delicatt Ground 

31 The Wtathorcock [Gold 

40 All that Olitttrs U Not 

VOL. VI 

41 Oriuishaw, Bagibaw and 

Brartihaw 
41 Rough Diamond 
41 Biooinar Oostum* 
U Two Bounycastlts 
41 Born to 'jood Luck 
U Kiss In tht Dark [Jurtr 
47 'Twould Puwlt • Con- 

18 Kill or Curt 

VOL. VII. 
41 Box and Cox Married and 

10 St. Cujtid [Settled 

11 ao-to-bed Tom 
tl The Lawyers 

15 Jack Sheppard 
J4 The Toodles 
!tl The Mobcap 
61 Ladies Beware 

VOL. VIII. 
47 Mornlnf Call 
it Poputns the Questloi. 

59 Deaf »> a Post 

60 N» 1 Footman 

«l Pleasant Neighbor 
IJ Paddy the Piper 
«3 Brian O'Lliin 
14 Irish Assuranot 
VOL. IX. 
IK Ttmptatlon 
•I Paddv CartT 
41 Two Qregorlet 
41 K1d( CharuiluK 
il P.i-ca-bon-Us 

70 ClMkmaker's Hat 

71 Married Rake 

71 Lore and Murder 

VOL. X. 
71 Ireland and Amtrlta 
74 PnMjr Pitet of Bualnttt 
79 Irinh Rreora-maker 
7« Te Paris and Baek for 

Fire Paundt 
77 Tkat BIttswi Babjr 
Tl Our 6al 
71 SwiM Oottftfft 
I* Taaag Wldtir 



VOL. XI. 
11 O'Flannigan and the Fal 
i'l Irish Post [riM 

13 My Neighbor'! Wife 

14 Irish Tiger 

15 P. P., or Man and Tiger 
l« To Oblige Benton 
IT State Secrets 
tl Irish Vanket 

VOL. XII. 
8* A Good Fellow 

10 Cherry and Fair Star 

11 Clale greeiely 
99 Our Jemiuiy 
13 Miller's Maid 

94 Awkward Arrival 

95 Crossing the Line 
91 Coniugai Lesson 

VOL. XIII. 
9T My Wife's .Mirror 

98 Lile in .\ew York 

99 Middy Ashore 

100 Crown Priuot 

101 Two Queens 

102 Thumping Legacy 

103 Unfinished <)>atltman 

104 House Dog 

VOL. XIV. 

105 The Demon Lorir 

106 Matrimony 

107 In and Out of Place 

108 i Dine with My .Mother 

109 Hi-a-wa-tha 

110 Andv Blake 

111 Lots in '76 [tie, 
US Romance under Difflcul 

VOL. XV. 

113 One Coat for i Suitt 

114 A Decided Case 

115 Daughter [norltv 

116 No; or, the Glorious Ml- 

117 Coroner's Inquisition 

118 Love in Humble Life 
19 Family Jars 

1'20 I'trsouatlon 

VOL. XVt. 
191 Children in the Wood 
199 Winning a Husband 
158 Day After tht Fair 
124 Maks Your Wills 
I'i5 Rtndeirous 
19< My Wife's Husband 
1 27 Monsieur Tonson 
'28 lllustrioot Stranger 

VOL. XVtI. 
I9» Mischief-Making [Ml nes 
ISO A Live Woman Id the 
131 The Corsair 
135 Shylock 

133 Spoiled Child 

134 EViI Eye 
Nothing to Nurse 

1»« Wanted* Tvidow l 

VOL. XVIII. 
1.17 Lottery Ticket 
:i8 Fortune's Frolle 

139 Is he Jealous! 

140 Married Bachelor 

141 Husband at Sight 
* ishman In London 

nina! M.i;»netlsm ■ 
144 Hlghw.iys aud By-W ays 

VOL. XIX. 
46 Columbus 

146 Harlequin Bluebeard 

147 Ladla< nt Home 

148 Phenomenon in a Smoct{ 
Frock 

149 Comedy and Tragedy 

150 Opposite "^'eighbors 
191 Dutohinan's Ghost 
15tt Persecuted Outchman 

VOL. XX. 
IS Mlieard Ball 931 Unprotected Female 

iH Great Tragic RerWal 984 Pet of the Peltlc 
US High Low Jack k Game -235 Forty aqrt Fifty [book 
154 A Gentleman from Ire- 934 Who Stole the Pocket- 
1 J7 Tom aud Jerry [land 187 My Son Diana [sion 

IM Vlllsge Lawyer 2.-i8 Unwarrantable I n t 

IB! Captain's not A-mist 931 Mr. and Mm. White 

lln Amateurs an4 Actors 1S40 A Quiet Family 



VOL. XXXt. 
941 Cool as Cucumber 
349 Sudden ThuugkU 
943 Juuiho Jum 
'244 A Blighted BeinK 
945 Little Toddltkint 
246 A Lovt-r by Proxy [Pall 
347 Maid with the Milking 
248 Perplexing Predicament 

VOL. XXXU. 
'249 Dr. D;1 worth 
260 Out to Nurse 

251 A Lucky Hit 

252 The Dowager 
953 .Metaniora (Bnrltbdue) 

264 Dreams of Delusion 

265 The Shaker Lovera 

266 Ticklish Times 
VOL. XXXIIL 

/6T 20 Minutes with a Tiger 
958 Aliralda; or, tba Justice 

of Tacon 
969 A Soldier's Courtship 

260 Servants by Legacy 

261 Dying lor Love 

262 Alaruiing Sacrifice 

263 Valet de Sham 
964 Nicholas ^ Ickleby 

VOL. XXXlV. 
966 The Last of the Pigtails 

266 King Rene's Daughter 

267 The Grotto Nymph 
208 A Devilish Good Joke 
2t.9 A Twice Told Tale 
270 Pas de Faici nation 
■71 Revolutionary Soldier 

272 A Man Without a Head 
VOL. XXXV. 

973 The Olio, Part 1 

974 Tne Olio, Part » 
276 The Olio, Part 3 [ter 

276 The Trumpeter's DkUfrhi* 

277 Seeing Warren 

278 Green Mountain Boy 
27S That Nose 
280 Tom Noddy's Store! 

VOL. XXXVI. 
981 Shocking Events 
212 A Regular Fix 

283 Dick Turpln 

284 Yourjg .Scimp 
985 Y'oung Actress 

286 Call at No. 1—7 

287 One Touch of Matnn 

288 Two B'hoys 
VOL. XXXVII. 

289 All the World's a Sl«(e 
•290 Quash, or Nigger Prae- 

291 Turn Him Out [tiee 

292 Prttty Girls of Stnibtig 

293 Angel of the Attic 

294 r'rumstancesalttrCatee 
296 Katy O'Shtal 

296 A Supper In Dixie 
VOL. XXXVIIL 

297 Id on Parle Francalt 
2(»8 Who Killed Cocii Robin 

299 Declaration of ludeptnd- 

300 Heads or Tails [enoe 
801 Obstinate Family 
3U« My Aunt 

303 That Rascal Pat 

304 Don Paddy de Baian 
VOL. XXXIX. [ture 

305 Too Much for Good Na- 

306 Cure for the Fidgets 
.307 Jack's the Ud 

308 MnchAdoAhoutNothing 

309 Artful Dodeer 

310 Winnlnj; Hatard 

311 Day's rishing [*c. 
812 Did you svr stnd yoar, 

VOL. XL. 
318 An Irishman's Mantayer 

314 Cousin Fannie 

31 5 'Ti« the Darkest Hoar be- 
934 Who Stole the Pocket- 316 Masquerade (fore Dawn 



VOL. XXI. 

161 Promotion [ual 

162 A Fascinating Individ- 

163 Mrs. Caudle 
li>4 Shakespeare's Dreaiq 
I6t Neptuue s Defeat 

166 Lady of Bedchamber 

167 Take Care of Little 
i68 Irish Widow [Charley 

VOL. XXII. 
1<9 Yankee Peddler 

170 Hiram Hireout 

171 Double-Bedded Room 

172 The Drama Deiendsd 

173 Vermont Wool Dealer 

174 Ebenettr Venture [ter 

175 Principles from Cbarac- 

176 Lady of the Lake (Tray) 
VOL. XXIII. 

177 Mad Dogs 

178 Barney the Baron 

179 Swiss Swains 

180 Bachelor's Bedroum 

181 A Roland for an Ollyer 

182 More Blunders than One 

183 Dumb Belle 
l^4 Limerick boy 

VOL. XXIV. 
186 Nature and Philosophy 

186 Teddy the Tiler 

187 Sptctrt Bridegroom 

188 Matico Falcone 

189 Jenny LInd 

190 Two Buszardi 

191 Happy .M:»Q 
las Betsy" Baker 

VOL. XXV. 

193 No. 1 Round the Comer 

194 Teddy Roe 
196 Object of Interest 
IM Mv Fellow Clerk 
1»7 Bengal Tiger 
1<I8 Laughing Hvens 

199 The Victor Vanquished 

200 Our Wife 
VOL. XXVI. 

901 My Husband's Mirror 
909 Yankee Land 

903 Norah Creina 

904 Good for Nothing 
208 The First Night 
208 The Eton Boy 

207 Wsndering Minstrel 

208 Wanted, 1000 Milliners 
VOL. XXVIL 

J0» Poor Pilcoddy 

210 The .Mummy [Glasses 

21 1 Don't Forgift your Optra 

212 Loye In Livery 
-13 Anthony and Cleopatra 

214 Trying It On 

21 5 Stage .Struck Yankee 

216 Young Wife & Old Um- 



voL. xxvni. 

217 Crinoline 

218 A Fat;illy Falling 

219 Adopted'Chlld 

220 Turned Heads 

221 A Match in the Dark 

222 Advice to Husbands 

223 Siamese Twins 
2-24 Sent to tht Tower 

VOL. XXIX. 
926 Somebody Flat 
2 6 Ladies' Sattle 
7 ^rt .>f Acting 
221 The Lady of the Lions 

229 The Rights ..f Man 

230 My Hnsoand's Ghost 

231 Two Can Play at that 
Game 

232 Fighting by Proxy 
VOL. XXX. 



(Frenches Miner DrMinti Centinued on -jd page ofCuvtr.) 



317 Crowding the Season 

318 Good Night's Rest 

119 Man with the Carpet Bs^J 
190 Terrible Tinker >^ 



SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street. New York City. 

New and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request. 



